Trans 101: FAQs part 1 – “CIS”

Cis is a term that pops up quite a bit in trans discussions.  It is much maligned, usually by the people it applies to but occasionally by trans people as well.  In defining it I hope to present an argument for its validity and indeed, its necessity.  I think I addressed the major definition and concern questions that I’ve seen surface over and over.  Obviously there is quite a bit more to say about it, but this will have to do for now.

This post ignores genderqueer and intersexed definitions for the time being because I am saving that discussion for my next 101 post.

1. What’s cis?

Cis means “on the same side as.”  It’s pronounced “sis” as in sister, and is the functional opposite of trans.  The vast majority of human beings are cis.  Cis people have matching gender and sexual identities.  Trans people do not.

2. What’s wrong with existing terms?  Why create new terms?

Use of cis as a gender term has been going on for more than a decade.  It’s not exactly a new term but because it is not very mainstream it might seem new.  Regardless, there are several reasons that using cis as a functional opposite of trans is preferable and even necessary.  Gender is incredibly complicated.  By clearly distinguishing cis and trans identities we help clarify the language and impart more precise meaning.  It also serves to set cis people on equal footing with trans people, at least in terms of language.  Rather than having people with not-trans being the default and trans being the other, cis or trans become adjectives applied to all people.

3. Does being called cis imply that I follow essentialistic gender roles?

No.  Cis people and trans people both run the gamut of gender presentations and behaviors.  Being cis does not imply that you necessarily act one way or another.  Neither group, cis or trans, has one single type of presentation, behavior, or ideology regarding gender.  In fact, a major part of the marginalization of trans people comes from the assumption that we hold a monolithic set of ideals, aspirations, and desires.  This is simply not true.

4. Is it an insult?

Not at all.  It’s for use as a helpful term that both promotes equality and helps make conversation easier to understand (after the initial hump).  Understand though, that being cis usually means holding privilege.*   This privilege is unearned and usually unasked for, but it is present nevertheless.  It creates a power disparity in which trans people are a marginalized class.  Sometimes trans people are going to be angry at cis people (there are plenty of reasons why it might happen) and they will specifically highlight cisness in their anger.  It’s not an indictment of all cis people but rather of either specific cis people or the power structure that systematicallly privilege cis people (which this blog calls cisarchy).  When dealing with oppression-related anger from any marginalized group, the following idea is key – “if it isn’t about you, don’t make it about you.”

*(I’d argue, for example, that cis intersexed people aren’t privy to it.)

5. Okay, what is proper usage?

Cis woman, trans woman, cis man, trans man.  (there’s more, but as I said, earlier that will be addressed later)  The space between the words is a small but important distinction.  Cis woman/trans woman implies that both are still women; just different types.  It states that both are women first, cis or trans second.  Failing to use the space serves to other and to third-gender trans people.  While gender is not binary, many trans people (like cis people) do not see themselves as anything but man or woman.