Why is it Called Cisgender and What Does It Mean?

You might have heard the term "cisgender" and wondered where it came from and what it actually signifies. It's a relatively new term in popular discourse, and understanding it is key to a more inclusive and accurate understanding of gender identity. This article will break down the origins and meaning of the word "cisgender" for the average American reader, offering a clear and detailed explanation.

The Origin of the Term "Cisgender"

The term "cisgender" is derived from Latin. The prefix "cis" means "on the same side." This is in direct contrast to the prefix "trans," which means "across" or "on the other side." This linguistic origin is crucial for understanding the concept.

The term was first coined by feminist scholar and activist Julia Serano in her 2007 book, Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman Looks at Gender Politics. Serano introduced the term to provide a way to describe people whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth, without defaulting to the assumption that this is the "normal" or "default" state of being. Before the widespread use of "cisgender," people who were not transgender were often simply referred to as "normal" or "straight," which implicitly marginalized transgender individuals.

The concept, however, had been discussed and used in academic and activist circles prior to Serano's book. The roots of the terminology can be traced back to the work of scholars and activists who recognized the need for a parallel term to "transgender." The idea was to create a neutral, descriptive label that acknowledges the existence of transgender identities without making non-transgender identities seem inherently superior or more valid.

Why Use the Term "Cisgender"?

The primary reason for using the term "cisgender" is to create a more precise and respectful language for discussing gender. Here's a breakdown of why it's important:

Parity and Inclusivity: Before "cisgender" became more common, the absence of a specific term for people whose gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth meant that the default was often assumed to be that alignment. This made transgender identities seem like the "other" or the deviation from the norm. Using "cisgender" provides a parallel term, acknowledging that both cisgender and transgender identities are valid and deserve specific labels.
Avoiding the "Normal" Fallacy: The term "normal" is problematic because it implies that anything else is abnormal. By using "cisgender," we move away from this judgmental language. It simply describes a particular experience of gender identity without making value judgments about other experiences.
Clarifying Identity: In conversations about gender, it's often important to distinguish between people who are transgender and those who are not. "Cisgender" allows for this distinction to be made clearly and respectfully. For example, when discussing healthcare needs or social issues that disproportionately affect transgender individuals, it's helpful to be able to refer to the broader population as "cisgender."
Deconstructing Assumptions: The word "cisgender" helps to deconstruct the assumption that everyone's gender identity automatically matches the sex they were assigned at birth. This assumption can lead to misunderstandings and misidentifications, particularly for transgender individuals.

Defining Cisgender: A Detailed Look

A person is considered cisgender if their gender identity—their internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or somewhere else on the gender spectrum—matches the sex they were assigned at birth. This assignment typically happens at birth based on observable physical characteristics.

For example:

Someone assigned male at birth who identifies as a man is cisgender.
Someone assigned female at birth who identifies as a woman is cisgender.

It's important to note that gender identity is distinct from sexual orientation. A cisgender person can be straight, gay, bisexual, or any other sexual orientation. Similarly, a transgender person can also have any sexual orientation.

The key takeaway is the alignment: cisgender means "on the same side" of the gender spectrum as the sex assigned at birth.

The Relationship Between Sex Assigned at Birth and Gender Identity

The distinction between "sex assigned at birth" and "gender identity" is fundamental to understanding cisgender and transgender identities.

Sex Assigned at Birth: This refers to the physical characteristics (chromosomes, hormones, anatomy) that are observed and categorized as male, female, or intersex at birth.
Gender Identity: This is a person's deeply held internal sense of self as male, female, both, neither, or somewhere else. It is not determined by physical characteristics alone and is not necessarily visible to others.

For cisgender individuals, these two concepts align. For transgender individuals, they do not.

The term "cisgender" acknowledges that the experience of gender is complex and that not everyone experiences this alignment. It's a way of naming the majority experience without erasing or invalidating the experiences of those who are transgender.

Common Misconceptions and Clarifications

Despite its increasing use, there are still some common misunderstandings about the term "cisgender."

It's not a slur: "Cisgender" is a descriptive, neutral term. It is not intended to be offensive or derogatory. Using it is a sign of respect and understanding.
It's not about being "normal": As mentioned earlier, "cisgender" replaces the problematic notion of "normal" with a more accurate description. It simply describes a specific experience of gender identity.
It's not exclusive to cisgender people: While the term describes cisgender individuals, it was created by and for the community to foster understanding and accurate language in discussions about gender.
It doesn't diminish transgender identities: In fact, by creating a parallel term, "cisgender" helps to validate and clarify transgender identities by providing a point of contrast that is not rooted in judgment or hierarchy.

Ultimately, the term "cisgender" serves to illuminate the diversity of human gender experience and to promote a more inclusive and precise vocabulary. It helps us understand that gender is not a simple binary and that aligning with societal expectations is not the only or default way to experience one's gender.

A Shift in Language for Greater Understanding

The adoption of terms like "cisgender" is part of a broader societal shift towards greater awareness and acceptance of diverse gender identities. It encourages us to think more critically about the language we use and its impact. By understanding why the term "cisgender" exists and what it means, we can contribute to a more informed and respectful dialogue about gender for everyone.

It's a step towards recognizing that the default assumption of everyone being cisgender is inaccurate and can be harmful. Instead, we can use precise language to describe everyone's experience accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How is "cisgender" different from "transgender"?

The key difference lies in the alignment between a person's gender identity and the sex they were assigned at birth. A cisgender person's gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth. A transgender person's gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, someone assigned male at birth who identifies as a man is cisgender. Someone assigned male at birth who identifies as a woman is transgender.

Why was the term "cisgender" created?

The term "cisgender" was created to provide a neutral and descriptive label for people whose gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth. This was done to offer a parallel term to "transgender," avoiding the implication that being transgender is an exception or deviation from a default "normal." It helps to create more equitable language and acknowledge the diversity of gender experiences without judgment.

Does "cisgender" imply anything about sexual orientation?

No, the term "cisgender" has absolutely nothing to do with sexual orientation. A cisgender person can be heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, or any other sexual orientation. Similarly, transgender people can have any sexual orientation. Cisgender refers solely to the alignment between gender identity and sex assigned at birth.

Is "cisgender" a new concept, or just a new word?

The concept of people identifying with the sex they were assigned at birth is as old as humanity itself. What is new is the term "cisgender" used to describe this experience. Before the term gained wider recognition, people whose gender identity aligned with their sex assigned at birth were often simply referred to as "men" or "women" without a specific label to distinguish them from transgender individuals. The word itself was introduced to create clarity and inclusivity in discussions about gender.