Gender identity is the gender with which an individual identifies him or herself. This category includes transgender students--biological males who consider themselves to be female and behave as women, as well as hermaphrodites and transsexuals.

According to Alex S. Myers '00, who is openly transgender, this bill is needed because there is discrimination against people of non-traditional gender identities.

"I and others have received discrimination solely based on our gender identity," Myers said.

Many Council members supported Myers and the creators of the amendment.

"What we are saying is that transgendered people will be let into Harvard [and] will be let into the Undergraduate Council," said Daniel S. Quint '97. "I think that's something the entire student body would stand for."

However, several students vocally opposed the bill.

"I feel someone has to speak out to the fact that there are only boys and girls in this world," said Christopher M. Griffith '97. "Harvard cannot go against the rule of God or the rule of this country."

Others suggested that transgenderism may be a psychological disease.

Professional psychiatrists are Undecided on this issue.

Despite this opposition, the Council voted to support adding gender identity to the University's non-discrimination policies.

"This is a real pro-active type of legislation," said Lamelle D. Rawlins '99, Council president. "We are holding up transgenderism as something that needs to not be discriminated against.