Some claim that the word "cisgender" is offensive or even a slur, but this argument does not hold up under scrutiny. "Cisgender" is a neutral, factual term derived from Latin, commonly used in scientific and academic contexts. It exists to distinguish between different gender experiences without judgment. The push to reject this term is not based on linguistic concerns but on a broader effort to delegitimize transgender identities by attacking the language used to describe them.
The Latin Origins of "Cis-" and "Trans-"
The words "cisgender" and "transgender" are based on Latin prefixes that have been used in science, geography, and other fields for centuries.
"Trans-" means "across," "beyond," or "on the opposite side." It appears in words such as:
- Transatlantic (across the Atlantic Ocean)
- Transport (to carry something across from one place to another)
- Transcontinental (across a continent)
- Transmutation (changing from one form to another)
"Cis-" means "on this side of" or "on the same side." It appears in words such as:
- Cisalpine (on the same side of the Alps)
- Cisatlantic (on the same side of the Atlantic Ocean)
- Cis-trans isomerism (a classification of molecules based on atomic position)
Applying this structure to gender follows the same logic. A cisgender person identifies with the gender they were assigned at birth, remaining "on the same side" of that assignment. A transgender person moves "across" from that designation to a different identity. These terms are descriptive, not ideological, and exist to clarify discussions on gender identity.
Cisgender Is Not a Forced Identity
Using the term "cisgender" does not impose an identity on anyone. It does not change a person's sex, gender, or lived experience. Instead, it is a neutral linguistic tool that makes discussions about gender clearer. Just as terms like "left-handed" and "right-handed" describe hand preference without altering anyone's personal experience, "cisgender" simply distinguishes between those whose gender aligns with their assigned sex and those who are transgender.
Rejecting this term does not erase the reality of gender diversity. Instead, it reinforces the idea that cisgender people are the default, while transgender identities are an exception. Language should reflect reality, and reality includes both cisgender and transgender experiences.
If "Cisgender" Is a Slur, Then "Transgender" Would Be Too
A core flaw in the argument that "cisgender" is offensive is that it does not apply the same logic to "transgender." If "cisgender" is a slur simply because it labels a group, then the word "transgender" would also have to be considered offensive.
However, critics rarely argue that "transgender" is a slur. This double standard reveals the real issue. The discomfort is not with the term itself but with acknowledging that transgender people exist as an equally valid group. Some reject "cisgender" because it removes the assumption that they are the default.
The claim that "cisgender" is a slur is not about language. It is a political strategy designed to distract from real issues such as discrimination, healthcare barriers, and violence against trans people. Instead of engaging with these problems, this manufactured controversy shifts the focus to false grievances, framing the majority group as victims of language rather than addressing the real inequalities that transgender people face.
Clarity, Not Controversy
The term "cisgender" is a neutral, factual descriptor rooted in Latin and widely used in scientific contexts. It allows for clearer, more precise discussions about gender identity. Rejecting the term does not make gender discussions disappear. It only reinforces the idea that cisgender identities are the default, while transgender identities are something separate or abnormal.
Language shapes the way people understand the world. Using precise, inclusive terminology allows for more accurate conversations and better representation. "Cisgender" is not an insult. It is an essential part of an honest and informed discussion about gender.