Men may be from Mars and women from Venus, but it is those who identify as another gender that have Earth embroiled in debate.

Last month, Facebook users were provided the customizable option for the gender of their choice with more than 50 selections available. Along with this option, users can also establish a publicly preferred pronoun among the following: “he/his,” “she/her” and “they/their.”

“It’s nice that it’s out there, opposed to denying it or not knowing about it,” Sharon Wallace, adjunct lecturer of sociology, said. “[But] does that affect their status in society? Maybe in the long run where people start to become more aware. Expanding gender identities does not mean it’s going to change the condition of those who fit the norm.”

When the new gender options were added, the Facebook Diversity page posted that “We recognize that some people face challenges sharing their true gender identity with others, and this setting gives people the ability to express themselves in an authentic way.”

James*, and IUS student and a transgender man, said being informed about other genders is the key to acceptance.

“Overall, being aware of other identities and gender besides your own can only be beneficial,” James said.

James said that people should be cognizant of what gender actually means. He said those who are looking to be supportive and are not sure how to identify a person should simply ask or refer to them as “they.”

“I think the new gender options on Facebook bring awareness to the transgender community and allow for people to be open about their identity without the fear or danger of doing it face-to-face,” James said.

In addition, James said that it also grants people who are curious the time to research what each identity means, saving them from the awkwardness of asking.

James said that the result of understanding gender, and how it applies to himself and others, has helped him recognize and embrace his own identity.

“Having these options available aids in depicting gender identities outside of hetero-normative society as being a standard within that society,” James said. “It also aids in bringing awareness to young adults who have never been exposed to [various] identities.”

James said one of his best experiences of when he was transition genders occurred at IU Southeast, when he made the decision to change his birth name to his preferred name on student rosters and registration.

“Honestly, my best advice is to be open-minded and try to understand the other person’s struggles. As long as you are being respectful and trying to understand, you’re making an effort to be accepting,” James said.

Jason Bielefeld, president of the Gay-Straight Alliance of IU Southeast, said Facebook’s new gender self-identification policy is a significant leap forward.

“It’s a big step, especially for something worldwide like Facebook,” Bielefeld said. “It’s a bold statement saying, ‘We include everyone.’”

James said there are many things he has missed out on: introducing his partner to his parents, going to prom with his partner, and celebrating holidays, to name a few.

“There are tons of things most people take for granted that I wish I had the ability to experience. Even though my parents don’t accept me, I am much happier now than I was previously,” James said.

He said being transgender is like speaking yourself into existence or “your own power of identity.”

“You state how you identify and others should respect that. You dictate what the boundaries are for yourself and even those can change. There really is no limitations to gender or sexuality,” James said.

James said it is important to be comfortable in one’s own skin and learning to love all aspects of one’s self, including the feminine or masculine qualities.

“Who’s to say that a man can’t be beautiful or that a woman can’t be handsome? No one. That is a social construct that the queer community strives to overcome,” James  said. “You are not your gender. You are a person and people grow and change exponentially.”

*Name changed to protect source.