Trans 101: Cisgender
You may have heard the word cisgender before, but you may not know what it means. Cisgender is a term used to describe people who, for the most part, identify as the gender they were assigned at birth. For example, if a doctor said “it’s a boy!” when you were born, and you identify as a man, then you could be described as cisgender. In other words, ‘cisgender’ is used to describe people who are not transgender.
So why do we say ‘cisgender’ instead of ‘non-transgender’? Because, referring to cisgender people as ‘non trans’ implies that cisgender people are the default and that being trans is abnormal. Many people have said ‘transgender people’ and ‘normal people’, but when we say ‘cisgender’ and ‘transgender’ neither is implied as more normal than the other.
Using the word ‘cisgender’ is also an educational tool. To simply define people as ‘non-trans’ implies that only transgender people have a gender identity. But that’s not true. Like sexual orientation, race, class, and many other identities, all of us have a gender identity.
Language is important; it defines human relationships. That is why it’s important use language of equality and inclusion. We’ll be covering this and a whole lot more in a trans ally education session at our upcoming trans justice summit. Register today!
Category: News: Transgender Justice, Resources: Transgender Justice, Uncategorized
Thank you. Have only just come across the word and this is the first explanation I have found in two (2) days that I truly understand and appreciate. I have a course essay to write and I have chosen to write about transgender issues and call for equality and inclusion and so give all humankind the opportunity to be themselves and reach their full potential.
Amazing what fear and ignorance has done to our understanding of God’s plan for the world.
All the very best future to us all.
Ruth.