Gender Question Definitions- Oct 2023

Modified on Mon, 29 Jan 2024 at 12:15 PM

Gender Definitions

Please see the Data Standards Manual for more details. Remember that observations should never be used to collect information on gender.

Response Option	Definition
Woman (Girl, if child)	Client identifies as a woman, or girl in the case of a child under the age of 18. May be used in conjunction with any other response to this field except 'Client doesn't know,' 'Client prefers not to answer,' and 'Data not collected.'
Man (Boy, if child)	Client identifies as a man, or boy in the case of a child under the age of 18 . May be used in conjunction with any other response to this field except 'Client doesn't know,' 'Client prefers not to answer,' and 'Data not collected.'
Culturally Specific Identity (e.g., Two-Spirit)	Client identifies with an identity that is exclusive to a particular culture. For example, Two-Spirit refers to a Native North American gender identity. May be used in conjunction with any other response to this field except 'Client doesn't know,' 'Client prefers not to answer,' and 'Data not collected.'
Different Identity	Client identifies with another identity that is not listed as a response. Use text box for details. May be used in conjunction with any other response to this field except 'Client doesn't know,' 'Client prefers not to answer,' and 'Data not collected.'
Non-Binary	Client does not identify exclusively as a man or a woman. May be used in conjunction with any other response to this field except 'Client doesn't know,' 'Client prefers not to answer,' and 'Data not collected.'
Transgender	Client identifies with a transgender history, experience, or identity. May be used in conjunction with any other response to this field except 'Client doesn't know,' 'Client prefers not to answer,' and 'Data not collected.'
Questioning	Clients who may be unsure, may be exploring, or may not relate to or identify with a gender identity at this time. Note that “Client doesn’t Know” is different than “Questioning”. “Questioning” is about exploring one’s gender identity. “Client doesn’t Know” should only be selected when a client does not know their gender from the five options available. ‘Questioning’ may be used in conjunction with any other response to this field except 'Client doesn't know,' 'Client prefers not to answer,' and 'Data not collected.'
Client doesn't know	'Client doesn't know' should only be selected when a client does not know their gender from among the responses. 'Client doesn't know' should not be used in conjunction with any other response to this field.
Client prefers not to answer	'Client prefers not to answer' should only be selected when a client chooses not to identify their gender from among the responses. 'Client prefers not to answer ' should not be used in conjunction with any other response to this field.