What does cisgender mean

People who are straight are either heterosexual or heteroromantic. This means that they have a sexual or romantic attraction to a person who is of a different gender than their own.

For example, a straight, cisgender female may only experience sexual or romantic attraction toward a male. However, people who are cisgender do not have to be straight. They can experience sexual and romantic attractions to all, some, or no genders. For example, a person can be cisgender as well as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or asexual. Learn more about some different sexualities here. People inherit 23 pairs of chromosomes from their parents.

The 23rd pair of chromosomes a person inherits are the sex chromosomes. Typically, people either inherit XX chromosomes or XY chromosomes. If a person inherits XX chromosomes, a doctor may assign female at birth.

If a person inherits XY chromosomes, a doctor may assign male at birth. However, it is important to note that sex is not binary. People may have the sex chromosomes that people typically associate with being male or female but have reproductive organs and genitals that are not typically male or female. This is known as being intersex. According to the Intersex Campaign for Equality , there are three main ways a person who is intersex may identify:.

Learn more about the differences between sex and gender here. Some examples of gender roles include :. People who are cisgender often conform to gender norms and expectations. However, a person can be cisgender and still dress in a gender non-conforming way. Cisgender is a gender identity.

Cisgender people have a gender identity that aligns with the sex that a doctor assigned them at birth. As of June , 29 trans people were murdered in the U. Their crime? Being transgender. In , the total was With trans people making up only 0. Cisgender people don't face such a level of hate based on their gender identity that can turn so violent that it ends in murder.

Transgender isn't the only identity outside of the cisgender umbrella. Because gender and sexuality are fluid and on a spectrum meaning, they can change over time and aren't limited to some specific choices , there are more than just a few genders a person can identify as being.

You've likely heard of people identifying as non-binary especially with celebs such as Demi Lovato speaking publicly about their nonbinary identity , which means that they identify somewhere outside the traditional binary choices of "man" or "woman.

There's also gender-questioning for those who are doing exactly that: questioning their gender. There are also those who haven't found a label that fits who they are, so they come up with a term that makes them feel comfortable and safe in their own body. Like many things in life, gender is a social construct, and this construct varies in different societies and different cultures.

One's gender can also evolve over time. Just because you identify as agender today, doesn't mean you won't identify as gender-queer at another point in your life when you know yourself differently from how you know yourself now. The same can be said for someone who identifies as cisgender at this moment. Only time will tell where someone may end up on their gender journey. But those who really need to take a look at themselves and their community are cisgender people. In truly understanding the privilege that comes with this specific gender , only then can you make space for other genders so everyone is equally seen and given the respect they deserve.

What Does Cisgender Mean, Exactly? Photo of Amanda Chatel. By Amanda Chatel October 21, Engaging in transphobia or doing nothing perpetuates stigma and promotes unsafe atmospheres for trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming people. Taking action against transphobia improves the lives of trans people by repairing existing strains on mental health, physical health, and socioeconomic standing through increased access to community, resources, and support.

It is important to know that outward expression is not the same as gender identity. For example, a nonbinary person's appearance might seem in line with cisnormative standards. Still, their expression does not mean they are not actually nonbinary or that other people don't need to respect their pronouns. Instead, ask people about their identities and pronouns when appropriate and respect their privacy when you don't need to know.

Cisgender people should also normalize trans-affirming language. They should share their own pronouns, even when trans and nonbinary people are not knowingly present.

They should also avoid differentiating themselves from transgender and nonbinary people unless necessary and promote proper terminology when doing so. For example, there is no need to use the terms cis or trans when referring to spaces and experiences shared by cis and trans people of the same gender. Anyone can choose to use any pronouns because while pronouns often reflect gender identity or gender expression, they are separate from both.

Use adjectives, such as cis or trans, to draw attention to a specific group—but only do this when needed. For example, the more distinct experiences unique to those groups were required for differentiation in this article.

Cisgender people should never refer to their gender experiences as "real" or "normal" to juxtapose trans identities. For example, trans women are real women, so cisgender women do not need to qualify their experience as such. Choosing language that affirms and respects diverse identities does not negate or deny any cisgender experiences. Instead, it builds a world that is safer and healthier for all people. Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life.

Fausto-Sterling A. Why sex is not binary. The New York Times. October 25, Kralick A. Slate Magazine. November 13, Richardson S. Ainsworth C. Sex redefined. James, S. The Report of the U. Transgender Survey. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellMind. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

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