It's possible, but most people find that difficult. Being anonymous on the internet without expressing any gender biased comments is possible as virtual friends.

I don't need to know the other person's gender to feel like friends. But then, I have tried to have that despite the possibility of being attracted. Often, the other party would have difficulty in getting comfortable with the idea of being just friends. Really, I should not say "just friends" because they have equal value compared to a partner.

It is very difficult for most to be friends. One or the other has more interest subconsciously or otherwise in the other.

One has to consider whether there is freedom to speak their thoughts without judgement -maybe like confession.

Those are my thoughts that popped up in my mind. I hope they useful for perspective purposes.