‘Cisgender' Is a Term That Many Are Using—Here's Exactly What It Means

We all know there are terms and labels for people in the queer community. Some have to do with someone’s sexuality—gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc.—and others have to do with someone’s gender identity or expression like transgender, nonbinary, etc. And one term that falls into the latter category of gender identity is ‘cisgender,’ a term that you’ve probably heard before but might not know the ins and outs of.

Cisgender’s definition isn’t very complicated and might actually refer to you, dear reader. And that’s not a bad thing at all. So, let’s get into what ‘cisgender’ means, who identifies as cisgender, if the term is connected to the LGBTQ+ community and more.

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What is 'cisgender'?

While the term might seem daunting initially, it’s really easy to understand. Cisgender just refers to someone who identifies as the gender they were assigned at birth, making ‘cisgender’ a label used in regard to someone’s gender identity. Basically, the difference between cisgender and transgender is whether someone identifies as what’s marked on their birth certificate.

Looking at the numbers of who identifies as what, The Pew Research Center reported in June 2022 that 1.6 percent of all adults (with 5 percent of people aged 18 to 29) identified as transgender, nonbinary or a gender other than what they were assigned at birth. That means most of the US population is “cisgender” (including, potentially, you!) even though it might be a different way of looking at yourself.

How do you pronounce 'cisgender'?

“Cis” is pronounced like “sis,” making the word sound like “sis-gender.”

What does 'cisgender' mean?

Just like there’s “heterosexual” to describe those who aren’t gay, “cisgender” means that you’re not transgender or have a different gender than the one you were assigned at birth.

This means if you have a reproductive system that includes a uterus, vagina and ovaries, and you identify as a woman, you’re cisgender (and vice versa).

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Where did the term ‘cisgender’ come from?

The term "cisgender" was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2015, however, it is not a new term by any means. As Historians.org reported, the prefix “cis” is Latin and means “on this side.” The prefix “trans” means “on the other side of” or “across.” You know, like the transcontinental railroad system.

There are debates on where “cisgender” came from, but Health.com reported that transgender activists created and used “cisgender” in the 1990s to help distinguish between themselves and others within the community and at large.

Are cisgender and queer connected?

As stated before, most of the US population is cisgender, meaning that they identify as the gender they were assigned at birth based on their organs and biology. However, being cisgender doesn’t make you gay or queer or a part of the LGBTQ+ community. It's more of a scientific or inherent label than anything else—not something that makes you queer.

Again, there are labels for people’s gender identity—such as cisgender and transgender—and there are labels for their sexuality. This means that if someone is gay, lesbian, queer or anything else, they’d use those terms. But cisgender has nothing to do with who you’re attracted to. “Cishet” is a common term that refers to those that are cis-gendered and heterosexual (AKA a majority of the population). But you can be queer and also cis. It really comes down to how people identify.

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What pronouns do cisgender people use?

Pronouns don’t have a gender. So even though she/her and he/him have been the common and go-to pronouns for presumed cis- or cisgender women and men, they can also be used by people who aren’t cisgender. That goes for they/them and so on (and vice versa).

In that regard, THEM Community Editor, Wren Sanders, wrote that cisgender people “who don’t feel comfortable” with others presuming their gender or the idea that comes with their gender can also go by they/them. They also write, though, that cis people who choose to use they/them pronouns should also check their privilege in how they’re able to use their pronouns as such, but people who aren’t cis—whether nonbinary or trans—aren’t always respected for that choice. Or they're not respected for the choice to use she/her or he/him when they might not meet society’s standards for those commonly "gendered" pronouns.

The idea of gender can be a tricky one. There are connotations and concepts that come with being a woman or a man in society. People might not want to identify with those perceptions, hence why they might identify as nonbinary, or why someone who is cis-gendered might want to be a bit more gender-neutral with their pronouns. That’s why, despite how someone presents their gender, make sure to ask what their pronouns are when you meet them.

Related: How To Go Gender-Neutral in Your Salutations

I am cisgender, how do I help a transgender friend?

Okay, so you found out what cisgender means and that it refers to you. Great! What now? As we just wrote, there is an inherent privilege in being cis. You identify as the gender you were assigned at birth, meaning that you’ve most likely never had anyone mistake you for something other than how you present.

This, of course, isn’t the case for cis queer people who dress more feminine or masculine opposite or outside the regular confines of their gender (i.e. a feminine gay man or a butch lesbian). But if you’re a cis-woman, for example, and live your life presenting as such, you have cisgender privilege. You don’t have to worry about changing the name or gender on government documents. You don’t have to worry you’ll be misgendered or disrespected because of your gender. And you don’t have to worry about being targeted or hate crimed because of your gender expression when you walk outside.

People in the LGBTQ+ community do have to worry about discrimination and worse, if they’re outwardly queer or in outwardly queer relationships. But when it comes to transgender, non-binary or other gender nonconforming people, they do have to deal with all of the above (and worse). There are, unfortunately, lawmakers and laws targeting trans people for just existing and wanting adequate healthcare. Not to mention that transgender people experience violent deaths and attacks just for their gender identity.

So, what can you do as a cisgender person for transgender people living in your communities and across the country? Well, you’re already doing one thing; educating yourself, which is big. Also make sure you’re respecting people’s pronouns, labels and identities. Make sure not to ask invasive questions and don’t assume someone’s gender identity based on how they present themselves. As GLAAD also noted, never ask for someone’s dead name or refer to it as their “actual name." Make sure not to out anyone and remember that transitioning looks different for everyone.

As always, don’t assume things. It’s great to have a conversation and get to know someone, allowing you to know their identity and more. This way you can respect their pronouns and names as they’re introduced to you as well. Always make your spaces inclusive and call out discrimination or disrespectful behavior around you.

Next up, read about 17 different LGBTQ+ Pride flags and what they mean (including the transgender flag).