Gender ceases to be predefined on Facebook

Facebook users can now use any term, with which they wish to describe their gender. Previously, it required you to choose from a list of predefined genders.

Announced recently on a Facebook Diversity post, the new option lets users add a customised description to their profile if they feel that one of the predefined terms does not accurately describe their gender, CNET reported.

"Now, if you do not identify with the pre-populated list of gender identities, you are able to add your own. As before, you can add up to 10 gender terms and also have the ability to control the audience with whom you would like to share your custom gender."

"We recognise 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," Facebook added.

Previously, the social networking site was limited to the choices "male" and "female".

But now one can type in anything they wish in the gender field.

For now, the custom gender option is available only to Facebook users in the US.

This latest move is part of Facebook's attempt to create a more user-friendly site for members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community.