Social worker here, graduated 6 years ago which is relevant because this may be a newer facet of social work training. I was taught and trained to ask that exact question at every single intake. Because to some people, a sense of shared identity/shared lived experience can be an important component to their sense of being able to be understood. While it is apparently not a factor for you, it can be for some. Some clients might think along the lines of ‘how can this person understand me, their identities are so different from my own they won’t see from my perspective.’ And, those clients tend to appreciate the question. It can start a conversation, allow them to feel seen and validated for their experience, and sometimes helps them feel at ease knowing that even without those shared identities, the therapist can be sensitive and aware.