Democratic presidential hopeful wants the federal government to recognize a third gender

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) told a group of LBGTQ activists that she would support federal recognition of a third-gender option.

Here's what we know

According to CBS News, Gillibrand was asked about this topic while she was speaking at an LGBTQ meet and greet in New Hampshire. Gillibrand has formally launched an exploratory committee into the possibility of running for president in 2020. New Hampshire is a crucial state for presidential hopefuls, since it's the site of the first primary election.

She reportedly gave a simple, but emphatic, "yes" in response, indicating that she would support such an initiative.

The third-gender option would cater to people who identified as nonbinary rather than as male or female. Proponents of the move argue that recognition only on a state level could lead to confusion with states that do not recognize that option, or which designate it in different ways. It is not clear whether Gillibrand intends to personally introduce legislation that includes this, or if she's merely indicating that she would vote for such legislation if it was brought to the Senate.

A New Hampshire state representative has introduced legislation that would recognize a third option on a state level. Maine, Oregon, California, Colorado, and Washington, D.C., have already approved third gender options. New York City also has similar laws in place, although they are not recognized on a state level.

What else?

Gillibrand has been outspoken in her support of the LGBTQ cause, and recently referred to President Donald Trump's ban on transgender people in the U.S. military as "discrimination" and an "insult to the brave and patriotic transgender Americans who choose to serve in our military."

TheBlaze has reached out to Gillibrand's office for a comment.