What Does it Mean to be Cisgender?

What does Cisgender Mean?

Cisgender. This is one of the terms that people are the most confused about, but also one of the easiest! A cisgender (cis) person identifies as the gender they were assigned at birth. The gender you’re assigned at birth is also sometimes referred to as biological sex. It’s the gender that is determined by the sexual organs that you are born with. For more in-depth information on the relationship between gender and sex check out Dr. Karissa Sanbonmatsu’s Tedtalk.

Cis is not an insult or meant to be a snub. It is merely a description of gender and a useful tool to use in discussing the ever-evolving language around gender.

Can I be LGBTQ+ and Cisgender

Yes! Being LGBTQ+ is so much more than your gender. Although gender is an important part, the community is a mixture of sexualities and gender identities. A cis person can be lesbian, gay, asexual, or any number of different orientations and still be part of the LGBTQ+ community.

To learn more head over to the additional resources page to find local LGBTQ resources.

Tags: Cisgender, Diversity and Inclusion, LGBTQ, Transgender