Cisgender

Cisgender (often shortened to cis) describes a person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. It's important to note that cisgender is not a medical term, but a social and personal descriptor. It relates to an individual's internal sense of self. The term is used to clarify identity and challenge the assumption that everyone is automatically transgender. Individuals can be cisgender regardless of their sexual orientation, gender expression, or other personal attributes. Being cisgender indicates one's gender identity is congruent with societal expectations of their birth sex. It's about how you experience and identify your own gender.

Cisgender meaning with examples

• As a cisgender woman, Sarah has always felt a strong connection to the female gender. She doesn't question her gender identity and embraces her femininity. Sarah supports transgender rights, recognizing that not everyone has the same experience with gender as she does.
• The workshop aimed to create an inclusive environment for everyone, and the speaker made sure to include cisgender, transgender, and non-binary perspectives in the conversation. This fostered an understanding of diverse gender experiences.
• Many people take their cisgender identity for granted. They are often unaware of how societal expectations based on their sex assigned at birth influence their experiences until it is addressed in a meaningful way. The workshop brought that to light.
• When discussing gender, it's important to use the correct pronouns and to be respectful of everyone's identity. Addressing someone by their correct pronouns allows both the cisgender or transgender individual to be respected. Misgendering can be hurtful.
• Understanding the difference between sex assigned at birth, gender identity, and gender expression is crucial. The term 'cisgender' helps specify an individual's gender identity, clarifying how it aligns or doesn't align with their assigned sex.