Cisgender refers to a person whose gender identity and expression aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. It is the opposite of being transgender, where one's gender identity differs from their assigned sex.
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Cisgender individuals make up the majority of the population, as being cisgender is considered the 'default' or 'normal' gender identity.
Cisgender identity is often taken for granted and seen as the 'natural' or 'normal' way of being, while transgender identities are sometimes viewed as 'abnormal' or 'unnatural'.
Cisgender privilege refers to the unearned advantages that cisgender people have in society compared to transgender and non-binary individuals.
Acknowledging one's own cisgender identity can help foster greater understanding and empathy for the experiences of transgender and gender non-conforming people.
Respecting and using a person's correct gender pronouns, whether they are cisgender or transgender, is an important way to affirm their gender identity.
Review Questions
Explain how the concept of cisgender relates to the 'performance' of gender categories.
The notion of cisgender is closely tied to the 'performance' of gender categories, as outlined in the 12.2 Performing Gender Categories topic. Cisgender individuals are often seen as naturally or inherently fitting into the gender categories assigned to them at birth, and their gender expression is typically viewed as aligning seamlessly with societal expectations. This 'performance' of gender norms and categories can reinforce the perception of cisgender identity as the default or 'normal' way of being, while obscuring the diversity of gender identities and expressions that exist.
Describe how cisgender privilege relates to the experiences of transgender and non-binary individuals.
Cisgender privilege refers to the unearned advantages that cisgender people have in society compared to transgender and non-binary individuals. This includes things like being able to use public restrooms without fear of discrimination, having one's gender identity and expression widely accepted and validated, and not having to constantly explain or justify one's identity. Recognizing and understanding cisgender privilege can help foster greater empathy and support for the unique challenges and barriers faced by transgender and gender non-conforming people in navigating a society that is often structured around the assumption of cisgender identity as the norm.
Analyze how the concept of cisgender identity intersects with other social categories, such as race, class, and sexuality, to shape individual experiences and perceptions of gender.
The concept of cisgender identity does not exist in isolation, but rather intersects with other social categories like race, class, and sexuality to shape individual experiences and perceptions of gender. For example, cisgender privilege is often amplified for those who also hold other dominant social identities, such as being white and middle-class. Conversely, cisgender individuals from marginalized racial or socioeconomic backgrounds may face additional challenges in having their gender identity recognized and affirmed. Similarly, the intersection of cisgender identity with heteronormative assumptions about sexuality can further reinforce rigid gender norms and categories. Examining these intersections is crucial for developing a nuanced understanding of how the performance and perception of gender is inextricably linked to other aspects of social identity and power dynamics.