CISPERSON Meaning and
Definition
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A cisperson refers to an individual whose gender identity aligns with the sex assigned to them at birth, typically either male or female. The term cis is derived from the Latin prefix "cis-", meaning "on this side of" or "not across." In the context of gender, cis is used to describe individuals who are not transgender, meaning their gender identity corresponds with their biological sex.
Cisgender or cis has gained prominence as a concept to acknowledge the experiences and privileges that cispeople have in a society that tends to normalize and prioritize cisgender identities. Cispeople generally identify with the gender roles, expectations, and representations assigned to their sex at birth. They typically do not experience the internal incongruity between their gender identity and allocated sex that many transgender individuals do.
It is important to note that being cisgender is not inherently wrong or discriminatory; rather, the term cisperson is used primarily as a descriptive label to distinguish individuals whose gender identity aligns with their assigned sex. By recognizing and understanding cisgender identities, society can better acknowledge and respect the diversity and experiences of all individuals, irrespective of their gender identity.
Etymology of CISPERSON
The word "cisperson" is derived from the Latin prefix "cis" meaning "on this side of" or "same side". It is used in contrast to the Latin prefix "trans" which means "across" or "on the other side of". The term "cisgender" was initially coined in the 1990s as a counterpart to "transgender", and, over time, "cis" has been used to denote individuals whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. Thus, "cisperson" refers to someone who identifies as the gender typically associated with their assigned sex.
