Although I did feel crappy about being rejected, I do understand him on the preference issue. The thing I’m mostly upset about was the approach he took to get the information. It was just insincere and made the rejection felt worse. He could have just said to me “I prefer clients who are (whichever races).” Instead, he chose to initially cover up his real intention by making me think he wanted information to help him recognize me once we met. If you get to talk to him, please let him know that his current approach was hurtful, and that he should be more upfront about what he wants. Not necessarily on the ad itself, but in the subsequent communication with a client. No need to make up stuff to justify the question.