Surely a person's sex or race isn't the most significant factor that would give someone a different perspective. Why is it that we must seek alternatives primarily along the sex and race axes, at the exact same time that we're being told that differences in those dimensions don't matter?
If we want different perspectives, then let's look for people that are urban vs suburban, religious vs atheist, short vs tall, active vs sedentary, sports fans vs those who would rather read a book, listeners of classical music vs country, those who served in the military vs pacifists, and so on. Why tell ourselves that the most important "diversity" we need is to be found in sex/gender and race?
It's easier to look at sex and race, especially when you view those of a certain sex or race as victims. For many, it does not matter what accomplishments you make, how hard you work, or your credentials, it only matters how it appears to others. Too many men: Sexist. Too many whites: racist.
If we want different perspectives, then let's look for people that are urban vs suburban, religious vs atheist, short vs tall, active vs sedentary, sports fans vs those who would rather read a book, listeners of classical music vs country, those who served in the military vs pacifists, and so on. Why tell ourselves that the most important "diversity" we need is to be found in sex/gender and race?