What Is Cisgender

What Is Cisgender

If you’re not familiar with the term “cisgender,” you’re not alone. While it’s a term that has been around for quite some time, it’s only recently that it has started to gain mainstream recognition. In this blog post, we’re going to delve into what cisgender means and why it’s important to understand this concept.

First and foremost, let’s define cisgender. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, cisgender refers to “a person whose gender identity corresponds with the sex the person had or was identified as having at birth.” In other words, cisgender refers to individuals who identify with the gender they were assigned at birth.

For example, if someone was assigned male at birth and identifies as a man, they are cisgender. If someone was assigned female at birth and identifies as a woman, they are cisgender. It’s important to note that cisgender does not necessarily mean that a person is heterosexual – it simply refers to their gender identity.

Now, you might be wondering why we need a term like cisgender. Isn’t it just the norm? After all, most people identify with the gender they were assigned at birth, right? While this is true, it’s important to understand that not everyone identifies this way. There are individuals who do not feel like they fit into the binary gender categories of male and female, and they may identify as genderqueer, non-binary, or gender non-conforming.

For these individuals, the term cisgender helps to distinguish between those who identify with the gender they were assigned at birth and those who do not. It helps to create a more inclusive language that acknowledges and respects the diversity of gender identities that exist.

But cisgender isn’t just a term that is used to define people – it’s also a term that can be used to describe systems and institutions. For example, a cisgender school would be one that operates within the gender binary and does not accommodate or recognize students who do not identify as either male or female. A cisgender healthcare system would be one that only provides services to individuals who fit within the gender binary.

As you can see, understanding the concept of cisgender is important for a number of reasons. It helps us to recognize and respect the diversity of gender identities that exist, and it helps us to identify and challenge systems and institutions that do not accommodate or recognize individuals who do not fit within the gender binary.

So, the next time you come across the term cisgender, don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s a concept that is worth learning about, and understanding it can help us create a more inclusive and accepting society for all.