If your 'culture fit' doesn't allow this, it's time to build a new culture.
Assuming equal skill levels, sure, I would.
This.
If someone meets the qualifications, is excited about the position, can handle the startup life, and isn't destructive, I don't see why not
I've read dozens upon dozens of posts about how social fit is a deal braker when it comes to hiring. Wouldnt that be an issue?
Can you go into some detail about what parts of that social fit do you imagine to be a deal breaker? If transgender engineers like to play foosball and guitar hero, and like to read Ender's game, just like the rest of your heteronormative teammates, what part of them being transgender makes it a bad social fit?
why is this even a question?
Yes, of course.
For your early stage, 3 people startup? (Just asking, not choosing sides here)
Yes.
Are they good?
Are you implying that that would be your only consideration?
For the sake of the discussion, let's say they're good just as the next engineer. Not brilliant, but def up to par.
I think that is pretty clear that is what they are saying.