So I decided to get my DNA analysis done. I am adopted and only have limited information on my biological parents so this will be of interest to me.
But during the process of registering the test kit there is a page (pictured above) where it asks for one’s gender. The choices are only male and female. As a transgender female with XY chromosomes this is a problem. I don’t want to put what is my true, legal gender of female and have something go awry in the lab. Yet I am insulted if I have to put male.
UPDATE: I decided to just choose female and proceed. I researched what exactly is the CLIA regulation mentioned. Basically it just looks like some kind of requirement imposed upon testing laboratories by the CDC for quality control purposes. After finishing the kit registration I was asked again about my gender on the survey and this time the question was more interesting:
I ended up selecting “I’m not sure” which really should have read “I’m not sure what answer to put down”. I did this in case they test the DNA and then are worried that they might have mixed up the sample or something.
I feel that it is unfortunate that there is not greater sensitivity to gender-identity-related issues for a site like this. Its not always a matter of just factual data either. There is the consideration of the feelings of the client/customer who has to use the interface. They should think about people’s feelings and do their best to make people feel comfortable and reassured. But tech people often think only about factual data and not empathic realities, one major reason why I will never work in tech again.
This is not the only time I’ve felt this way. Unfortunately this is commonplace with websites. Many or most do not really understand how to be sensitive to gender-identity and just have a lack of empathic awareness which is repulsive.
By the way, when I was going through the kit registration it earlier asked if I consent to allow 23andme to do research with my DNA. The answer to this should be an overwhelming NO. Why? Because they can use the information from DNA to create patents for things like cures for diseases, then charge sick people outrageous amounts of money for treatments or even just for tests. I absolutely don’t want to support this.
I will only ever consent to allow my DNA to be used for research if it is for non-profit purposes for the benefit of all humanity.