Cisgender

Cisgender (or "cis") refers to people whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth - for example, someone who was assigned female at birth and identifies as a woman. This term is used to describe people who are not transgender or gender non-conforming, and it helps normalize the discussion of gender identity by showing that everyone has one, not just trans people.

Definition and Origin

Cisgender, often abbreviated as "cis," refers to individuals whose gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth. The term emerged in academic contexts during the 1990s, derived from the Latin prefix "cis-" meaning "on this side of," as opposed to "trans-" meaning "across from" or "on the other side of." It was created to provide a neutral way to describe non-transgender individuals without implying that being transgender was abnormal or deviant.

Understanding Cisgender Identity

Gender Identity vs. Sex Assigned at Birth

For cisgender individuals, their internal sense of being male, female, or another gender matches the sex they were assigned when they were born. This alignment between gender identity and biological sex characteristics often leads to a sense of congruence that many cisgender people take for granted. However, this experience is just one of many possible ways people can experience gender.

The Role of Gender Expression

While cisgender people identify with their assigned sex at birth, their gender expression can vary widely. A cisgender man might prefer wearing makeup or traditionally feminine clothing while still identifying as male, just as a cisgender woman might present in a masculine way while maintaining her female identity. Gender expression is separate from gender identity and can be fluid regardless of whether someone is cisgender or transgender.

Privilege and Social Context

Cisgender individuals often experience privilege in society because their gender identity aligns with societal expectations. This privilege manifests in various ways, from easier access to healthcare and employment to the simple ability to use public restrooms without fear or questioning. Understanding this privilege is crucial for developing empathy and supporting gender diversity.

Cisgender in Modern Context

Cultural Understanding

The concept of being cisgender has gained significant visibility in recent years as conversations about gender identity have become more mainstream. This increased awareness has helped society recognize that being cisgender is not the default or "normal" state but rather one of many valid ways of experiencing gender.

Impact on LGBTQ+ Discourse

The term cisgender has become an important part of LGBTQ+ discourse, helping to create more nuanced discussions about gender identity and expression. It provides language to discuss gender without othering transgender individuals and highlights the importance of acknowledging and respecting all gender identities.

Medical and Scientific Perspectives

Medical and scientific communities increasingly recognize that gender identity, including being cisgender, has biological, psychological, and social components. This understanding has led to more comprehensive healthcare approaches that consider the full spectrum of gender identities.

Common Misconceptions

Cisgender vs. Straight

A common misconception is that being cisgender is the same as being heterosexual. Sexual orientation and gender identity are separate aspects of a person's identity. A cisgender person can have any sexual orientation, just as a transgender person can.

Gender Roles and Cisgender Identity

Many people incorrectly assume that cisgender individuals must conform to traditional gender roles. Being cisgender simply means identifying with your assigned sex at birth - it doesn't dictate your interests, behavior, or adherence to gender stereotypes.

Assumptions and Stereotypes

The assumption that someone is cisgender based on their appearance can be harmful. Gender identity is personal and can't be determined by looking at someone. These assumptions can reinforce harmful stereotypes and create uncomfortable situations for both cisgender and transgender individuals.

Supporting Gender Diversity

Allyship and Understanding

Being cisgender comes with the responsibility to be an ally to transgender and non-binary individuals. This includes educating oneself about gender diversity, challenging discriminatory behavior, and supporting inclusive policies and practices.

Inclusive Language

Using gender-inclusive language benefits everyone, regardless of their gender identity. This includes using people's correct pronouns, avoiding assumptions about gender, and being mindful of gendered language in everyday conversation.

Respecting Different Experiences

Understanding that everyone's experience with gender is unique helps create a more inclusive society. Cisgender individuals can support this by listening to and amplifying diverse gender experiences while acknowledging their own privilege.

Social and Political Implications

Historical Context

The recognition of cisgender identity as a concept has helped highlight how gender has been historically constructed and enforced in society. This understanding has contributed to challenging traditional gender norms and binary thinking.

Current Discussions

Contemporary discussions about gender identity increasingly recognize the complexity of gender and the importance of moving beyond binary thinking. These conversations help create more inclusive spaces and policies that benefit everyone, regardless of their gender identity.

Impact on Gender Rights Movements

The acknowledgment of cisgender identity has strengthened gender rights movements by providing language to discuss privilege and power dynamics. This has helped create more effective advocacy for transgender rights and gender equality in general.

Examples

When Sarah was born, doctors identified her as female based on her physical characteristics. Throughout her life, she has always felt comfortable identifying as a woman, aligning with the gender she was assigned at birth. Sarah is cisgender.

James was assigned male at birth and has always felt that this matches his gender identity. He uses he/him pronouns and feels comfortable expressing himself in traditionally masculine ways. This alignment between his assigned sex and gender identity makes him cisgender.

A parent might notice their child, who was assigned female at birth, growing up naturally gravitating toward traditionally feminine interests and expressing herself as a girl without any sense of disconnect from her assigned gender. This comfort with one's assigned gender is characteristic of being cisgender.

FAQ

What does cisgender mean exactly?

Cisgender (or 'cis') describes someone whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, a person who was assigned female at birth and identifies as a woman is cisgender. The term comes from the Latin prefix "cis-" meaning "on this side of," as opposed to "trans-" meaning "across from."

What's the difference between cisgender and straight?

These terms refer to different aspects of identity. Cisgender relates to gender identity, while straight (heterosexual) relates to sexual orientation. A cisgender person can be gay, straight, bisexual, or any other sexual orientation. They're completely independent of each other.

Why do we need the term cisgender?

The term cisgender helps avoid phrases like "normal" or "real" when discussing gender identity, which can be harmful to transgender people. It's a neutral, descriptive term that puts all gender identities on equal footing. Using it acknowledges that being transgender isn't the only way to experience gender, while avoiding language that privileges one identity over others.

Is it offensive to call someone cisgender?

No, cisgender is not an offensive term - it's simply a descriptor, like "tall" or "right-handed." However, like any identity label, it's best to let people choose how they want to identify. While the term is accurate for describing someone whose gender matches their birth sex, not everyone may be familiar with or prefer to use this label for themselves.