The root trans- means “on the other side of.” Many people have begun to use the word “cisgender” to describe a person whose gender identity matches the gender they were designated at birth. The root cis- means “on the same side of.” Some people find this word unnecessary or even insulting. This word is not, and has never been intended as an insult. This word eliminates the otherness of trans identities, and makes cisgender less of a default, thus serving an incredibly important purpose. One of the biggest challenges the trans community faces is being seen as abnormal or outsiders, and the use of the word cisgender disassociates its definition with being “normal.” Another thing that’s important to be aware of is that gender is a social construct. Different cultures all over the globe have different interpretations of gender. Today, with the level of global connectivity we have, it’s no longer necessary or practical to remain restricted to the Western gender binary (Cunningham). However, just because gender is a social construct does not mean that it is unimportant, elective or nonexistent. It is equally important to respect peoples’ identities, no matter what they may
The root trans- means “on the other side of.” Many people have begun to use the word “cisgender” to describe a person whose gender identity matches the gender they were designated at birth. The root cis- means “on the same side of.” Some people find this word unnecessary or even insulting. This word is not, and has never been intended as an insult. This word eliminates the otherness of trans identities, and makes cisgender less of a default, thus serving an incredibly important purpose. One of the biggest challenges the trans community faces is being seen as abnormal or outsiders, and the use of the word cisgender disassociates its definition with being “normal.” Another thing that’s important to be aware of is that gender is a social construct. Different cultures all over the globe have different interpretations of gender. Today, with the level of global connectivity we have, it’s no longer necessary or practical to remain restricted to the Western gender binary (Cunningham). However, just because gender is a social construct does not mean that it is unimportant, elective or nonexistent. It is equally important to respect peoples’ identities, no matter what they may