Where Does The Term Cisgender Come From

The term cisgender refers to individuals whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. It is a crucial term in discussions about gender, identity, and social justice. Understanding its origins and evolution provides valuable context for contemporary dialogues about gender diversity and inclusion. This article explores the etymology, historical usage, and significance of the term cisgender.

Etymology of Cisgender

The term cisgender is composed of two parts: the prefix "cis-" and the root "gender." To fully grasp its meaning, it's essential to understand each component separately.

Understanding the Prefix "Cis-"

The prefix "cis-" comes from Latin, where it means "on this side of." It is used in various scientific contexts to denote something that is on the same side or in the same direction. In chemistry, for instance, "cis" is used to describe molecules that have certain atoms or groups of atoms on the same side of a bond.

The Concept of Gender

Gender is a complex concept that encompasses a person's internal sense of self (gender identity), the way they outwardly present themselves (gender expression), and the societal roles and expectations associated with masculinity and femininity. Unlike sex, which typically refers to biological attributes, gender is largely a social and personal construct.

Combining "Cis-" and "Gender"

When combined, "cisgender" describes individuals whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. In other words, if someone is assigned female at birth and identifies as a woman, they are cisgender. Similarly, if someone is assigned male at birth and identifies as a man, they are also cisgender.

Historical Context and Development

The term cisgender did not emerge in isolation. It arose in response to the already existing term transgender, which has a longer history and a more widely recognized usage. Understanding the development of transgender is crucial to appreciating the need for and emergence of cisgender.

Emergence of "Transgender"

The term transgender gained prominence in the late 20th century, although its roots can be traced back further. It is used to describe individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. The prefix "trans-" means "across" or "beyond," indicating that transgender individuals move across or beyond the societal expectations associated with their assigned sex.

The Need for "Cisgender"

As transgender became more widely understood and accepted, activists and scholars recognized the need for a corresponding term to describe individuals who are not transgender. Without such a term, there was an implicit assumption that being "normal" or "default" meant identifying with one's assigned sex. This assumption is problematic because it centers cisgender experiences as the norm and marginalizes transgender experiences as "other."

Early Usage of "Cisgender"

The term cisgender is believed to have originated in academic and activist circles in the early 1990s. One of the earliest known usages is attributed to German sexologist Volkmar Sigusch, who used the term "zissexuell" (the German equivalent of cisgender) in a 1991 essay. Sigusch used the term to describe individuals who are not transsexual (an older, more clinical term for transgender individuals that is now often considered outdated and potentially offensive).

Popularization of the Term

The term cisgender gradually gained traction in academic literature, particularly in gender studies and sociology. Its usage began to spread more widely in the 2000s and 2010s, aided by the increasing visibility of transgender issues in mainstream media and culture. Online activism and social media also played a significant role in popularizing the term.

Significance and Implications

The introduction and widespread adoption of the term cisgender have several important implications for how we understand gender and social justice.

Normalizing Transgender Identities

By providing a specific term for individuals who are not transgender, cisgender helps to normalize transgender identities. It avoids the implication that transgender is a deviation from a non-existent norm. Instead, it recognizes that both cisgender and transgender are valid and equally natural ways of experiencing and expressing gender.

Challenging Cisnormativity

Cisnormativity is the assumption that all individuals are cisgender and that cisgender identity is the default or superior way of being. The term cisgender challenges this assumption by making cisgender identity visible and naming it as a specific category. This helps to disrupt the invisibility of cisgender privilege and the ways in which cisnormativity can marginalize and oppress transgender individuals.

Promoting Inclusivity and Understanding

Using the term cisgender can promote inclusivity and understanding by encouraging people to think more critically about their own gender identity and the experiences of others. It invites cisgender individuals to reflect on the privileges they may have as a result of their gender identity aligning with their assigned sex and to consider how they can support transgender rights and equality.

Avoiding Othering

Without the term cisgender, discussions about gender often default to framing transgender people as "other" or as a separate category from "normal" people. This can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and reinforce the idea that transgender identities are somehow less valid or less natural than cisgender identities. Using cisgender helps to avoid this othering by recognizing that everyone has a gender identity and that both cisgender and transgender are simply different ways of experiencing gender.

Criticisms and Controversies

Despite its importance in promoting understanding and inclusivity, the term cisgender has faced some criticisms and controversies.

Resistance to Labeling

Some individuals resist being labeled as cisgender, arguing that it is unnecessary or that it feels like being forced into a category. They may feel that their gender identity is simply "normal" and that they should not need a special term to describe it. However, proponents of the term argue that it is important to name and recognize cisgender identity in order to challenge cisnormativity and promote equality.

Concerns About Division

Another criticism is that the term cisgender can create division by emphasizing differences between people. Some argue that it is better to focus on common humanity and shared experiences rather than highlighting gender differences. However, proponents of the term argue that recognizing and naming differences is a necessary step towards addressing inequality and promoting social justice.

Misuse and Misunderstanding

Like any term related to gender and identity, cisgender can be misused or misunderstood. Some people may use it as a slur or to invalidate transgender identities. Others may simply not understand what it means and use it incorrectly. Education and awareness are essential to ensure that the term is used respectfully and accurately.

Common Misconceptions

There are several common misconceptions about the term cisgender that are important to address.

Cisgender Is Not a "Bad" Word

One common misconception is that cisgender is a negative or derogatory term. In reality, it is simply a descriptive term used to identify individuals whose gender identity aligns with their assigned sex. There is nothing inherently negative about being cisgender, and the term should not be used as an insult or slur.

Cisgender Is Not the Same as "Normal"

Another misconception is that cisgender is the same as "normal" or "natural." This is a harmful and inaccurate assumption. Both cisgender and transgender are valid and natural ways of experiencing gender. Cisgender identity is not inherently better or more "normal" than transgender identity.

Cisgender Does Not Imply Privilege

While cisgender individuals may experience certain privileges as a result of their gender identity aligning with societal expectations, the term cisgender itself does not imply privilege. Privilege is a separate concept that refers to the advantages and benefits that certain groups have in society due to their social identities.

How to Use the Term Respectfully

Using the term cisgender respectfully is essential for promoting understanding and inclusivity. Here are some guidelines:

Use the Term When Relevant

Use the term cisgender when it is relevant to the discussion or topic at hand. Avoid using it unnecessarily or in ways that could be seen as othering or disrespectful.

Use Person-First Language

When referring to individuals, use person-first language. For example, say "cisgender person" rather than "cisgender" as a noun. This helps to emphasize that people are individuals first and that their gender identity is just one aspect of who they are.

Be Mindful of Context

Be mindful of the context in which you are using the term. In some situations, it may be appropriate to use cisgender openly and explicitly. In others, it may be more appropriate to use alternative language or to avoid mentioning gender identity altogether.

Listen to and Respect Others

Listen to and respect the preferences of others. Some people may prefer not to be labeled as cisgender, while others may find the term empowering. Respect their choices and use the language that they feel most comfortable with.

Examples of Usage

To further illustrate how the term cisgender is used, here are some examples:

• "The study examined the experiences of both cisgender and transgender individuals in the workplace."
• "As a cisgender woman, she recognized that she had certain privileges that transgender women did not."
• "The organization is committed to promoting equality for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, including cisgender and transgender people."

The Future of the Term

As societal understanding of gender continues to evolve, the term cisgender will likely continue to play an important role in discussions about identity and social justice. It is possible that the term will become more widely accepted and used over time, or that new terms and concepts will emerge to further refine our understanding of gender.

Ongoing Dialogue

The ongoing dialogue about gender and identity is essential for promoting understanding, empathy, and respect. By engaging in these conversations and being open to learning from others, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Evolving Language

Language is constantly evolving, and our understanding of gender is no exception. As we continue to learn and grow, it is important to remain open to new terms and concepts that may emerge. The goal is to use language that is respectful, accurate, and inclusive of all individuals.

Conclusion

The term cisgender is a relatively recent addition to our vocabulary, but it has quickly become an essential tool for understanding and discussing gender identity. By providing a specific term for individuals whose gender identity aligns with their assigned sex, cisgender helps to normalize transgender identities, challenge cisnormativity, and promote inclusivity. While the term has faced some criticisms and controversies, its significance in advancing social justice and equality cannot be denied. As we continue to learn and grow in our understanding of gender, it is important to use the term cisgender respectfully and accurately, and to remain open to new perspectives and evolving language.