I Want Your Sex! New UC Irvine Form Will Ask Students To Pick From 6 Genders

IRVINE (CBSLA.com) —  UC Irvine students weighed in Wednesday on a change in the application process -- some see progress, others see problems.

Beginning this fall, student will have the option to self-identify about their sexual orientation on all university admissions forms.

The choice is no longer just male or female. Two choices? That was so ... yesterday.

The new form will ask students to pick one gender from six different choices. They will be asked to choose between male, female, trans male, trans female, gender queer/gender non-conforming and different identity.

KCAL9's Stacey Butler spoke to students about the change.

"I feel like this is just a way of including everyone," said Augustine Pimentel.

"I don't mind; everybody do what they want. I don't want to judge people," says Nizar Hakim.

"I feel like people should have their freedom to be called what they want to be called," said Donna Taqawi.

Beyond the political or social reasons, some saw the financial ones.

"A lot of those questions when you're applying to graduate school or any sort of school are important for financial aid opportunities you can have," said Joanna Laird.

In a statement, Janet Napolitano, the president the UC system, said: "UC is working hard to ensure our campuses model inclusiveness and understanding. I'm proud of the work we've done so far, but it doesn't stop there. We must continue to look at where we can improve so everyone at UC feels respected and supported."

It's not the question itself that concerned one UCI mom.

"I don't know why they're asking it. I'd like to know their reason for asking it," said Elane Streets.

School officials told Butler the answers will be voluntary and not impact on the decision-making process for admissions.