Q: What is the term "Cisgender"
A: "Cisgender" (often shortened to "cis") is a term used to describe people whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, someone who is assigned female at birth and identifies as a woman is considered cisgender.
The term is primarily used to distinguish between cisgender and transgender individuals. It's not meant to be derogatory or political—it simply offers a way to talk about gender identities without assuming that being cisgender is the default or "normal."
Origin and First Use
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The prefix "cis-" comes from Latin, meaning "on this side of." It contrasts with "trans-", meaning "across" or "on the other side of." This same prefix pair is used in terms like cisatlantic and transatlantic.
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The earliest known academic use of "cisgender" or "cissexual" is credited to German sexologist Volkmar Sigusch in 1991, who used the term "cissexuell" in publications to describe non-trans people.
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In English, the term began to appear more widely in the early 2000s, particularly in academic and activist circles concerned with gender theory and trans rights. It gained more mainstream awareness in the 2010s with the rise of discussions around gender diversity.
Why Is the Term Important?
Before "cisgender" became common, conversations about gender often positioned cis people as the unspoken norm, while trans people were "othered." By naming both identities (cis and trans), the language becomes more inclusive and precise. It helps challenge assumptions and supports respectful discussion of gender diversity.
Use of pronouns
The Wizard's pronouns are he/him/his. I am a gay/queer cisgender male. Consider the use of your pronouns in email signatures, facebook etc to show your support for the transgender individuals!
Pronouns are words used in place of nouns to avoid repetition and make language more fluid and concise. Common types include personal pronouns (like he, she, they), possessive pronouns (his, her, their), reflexive pronouns (myself, yourself), and demonstrative pronouns (this, those). In writing and speech, pronouns help clarify who or what is being discussed without constantly repeating names or objects. Their correct use depends on number (singular or plural), gender (where applicable), and case (subject, object, or possessive). In recent years, pronoun choice has also taken on social importance, particularly in expressing gender identity respectfully and accurately.
Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model
Q: What is the term "Cisgender"
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