How do you ask about gender on surveys and forms without creating new problems?

Fill-in-the-blank gender options often feel like the most inclusive solution. But when organizations try to analyze responses or turn demographic data into action, the reality can be much more complicated.

In this episode of Gender in Focus, we look at what really happens when teams start collecting gender data. We explore why gender questions with fill-in-the-blank are desired by trans and non-binary communities because it feels affirming to have the space to fully describe oneself, especially after being mislabeled for so long. However, this approach may inadvertently make it harder to spot patterns in discrimination, inclusion and employee experience.

We talk through common mistakes in survey design, what organizations need to think about before adding a gender question on a form, and how organizations can balance self-identification with the need for usable insights. You will also hear why being clear about how gender data will be used can increase trust and participation.

If you are designing inclusive forms, running equity, diversity, and inclusion surveys, analyzing demographic data, or trying to understand how different gender groups experience your organization, this conversation offers practical insights grounded in real-world experience.

Topics include: gender data collection, inclusive survey design, non-binary options on forms, demographic questionnaires, EDI surveys, analyzing inclusion data, and building trust when asking personal questions.