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provide a definition for cisgender
A person is considered cisgender (often shortened to "cis") if their gender identity aligns with the sex assigned to them at birth. The term is used in contrast to "transgender," which describes a person whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth.
Key aspects of the term include:
Etymology: The prefix "cis-" is Latin for "on this side," while "trans-" means "on the other side". The terms are used to describe whether a person's gender identity is on the "same side" as, or "across from," their sex assigned at birth.
Examples: A person assigned female at birth who identifies as a woman is a cisgender woman. A person assigned male at birth who identifies as a man is a cisgender man.
Purpose: The term is considered a value-neutral way to refer to non-transgender people. Using "cisgender" avoids implying that being transgender is abnormal by not presenting the cisgender experience as the unspoken default.
Gender vs. Sexuality: Being cisgender refers to a person's gender identity and is not related to their sexual orientation. A cisgender person can be straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or any other sexuality.