MARTHA MENDOZA, AP National Writer

Facebook users who don’t fit any of the 58 gender identity options offered by the social media giant are now being given a rather big 59th option: fill in the blank.

A Facebook announcement published online Thursday morning and shared in advance with The Associated Press tells users that if they do not identify with the pre-populated list of gender identities, they can add their own.

Facebook software engineer Ari Chivukula, who identifies as transgender and was part of the team that made the free-form option, says the change may lead to more widespread acceptance.

Last February, Facebook expanded gender identity from male and female to a list of dozens of options, including Androgyne, Gender Fluid and Transgender. Those choices will all still be available.