Meaning of the Word
Cisgender refers to a person whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth. In other words, a cisgender individual identifies with the gender that corresponds to their biological sex.
History and Origins
The term “cisgender” comes from the Latin prefix “cis-” meaning “on this side of,” as opposed to “trans-” meaning “across” or “on the other side of.” The term was coined to describe individuals whose gender identity aligns with their assigned sex at birth, to contrast with “transgender,” where a person’s gender identity differs from their birth-assigned sex.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Cisgender: A person whose gender identity is the same as the sex they were assigned at birth.
- Gender Identity: The personal sense of one’s own gender, which may or may not correspond to the sex assigned at birth.
- Non-transgender: Another way to describe someone who is not transgender, meaning their gender identity aligns with their biological sex.
Detailed Explanation
Cisgender is a term used to describe people who identify with the gender they were assigned at birth, which contrasts with transgender individuals who may experience a disconnect between their gender identity and the sex they were assigned. For example, a person assigned female at birth who identifies as a woman is considered cisgender. The term is often used to provide clarity in discussions about gender identity and to ensure that non-transgender experiences are clearly differentiated from transgender ones. It’s important to note that being cisgender does not imply any particular attitudes or behaviors, but simply refers to gender identity alignment.
Example Sentences
- Unlike her transgender friends, Sarah is cisgender, meaning she identifies with the gender she was assigned at birth.
- The workshop focused on the experiences of cisgender people and how they can better support the transgender community.
- A cisgender woman may not have experienced the same challenges as a transgender woman in society.
- Cisgender people often take their gender identity for granted, while others may struggle with it.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Non-transgender: Refers to individuals whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.
- Straightforward Gender Identity: A less formal way of describing someone whose gender identity corresponds to their birth sex.
- Traditional Gender Role: Often used in the context of cisgender individuals who conform to the societal expectations for their assigned gender.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Transgender: A person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
- Gender Identity: A person’s deeply felt sense of their gender, which may or may not correspond with their biological sex.
- Gender Expression: How a person outwardly expresses their gender through clothing, behavior, and other characteristics.
- Sex Assigned at Birth: The classification of an individual as male or female at birth, based on physical characteristics such as chromosomes and reproductive anatomy.
More Matches (Concepts Related to Cisgender)
- Cissexism: The belief that cisgender people are superior or that being cisgender is the default or “normal” state, often resulting in discrimination against transgender individuals.
- Cisnormativity: The assumption that everyone is cisgender or that cisgender identity is the standard, leading to marginalization of transgender individuals.
- Gender Non-Conformity: A term used for individuals whose gender expression does not align with societal norms, which may or may not involve being transgender.
- Sexual Orientation: The type of sexual attraction one feels, which is different from gender identity. A cisgender person can have any sexual orientation.
Antonyms
- Transgender: A person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
- Gender-Nonconforming: A person whose gender expression does not conform to societal expectations, regardless of whether they are cisgender or transgender.
- Non-binary: A person who does not exclusively identify as male or female, often falling outside the binary concept of gender.
