In many societies around the world, there are deeply ingrained ideas about gender. These ideas often create a binary view, suggesting that there are only two genders – male and female – and that one’s gender is inherently linked to the sex assigned at birth. This societal framework often centers and privileges those who are cisgender. But what does cisgender mean?
Simply put, cisgender describes a person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, if someone is assigned female at birth and they identify as a woman, they are cisgender. This alignment is often taken as the norm, and this normalization creates what is known as cisgender privilege.
Cisgender privilege refers to the unearned advantages and benefits that cisgender people experience simply because their gender identity matches societal expectations. These privileges are often invisible to those who possess them, much like other forms of privilege. It’s not about individual actions, but rather about the systemic advantages built into society that favor cisgender people.
One of the primary ways cisgender privilege manifests is in societal expectations. There are often unspoken rules about how men and women “should” behave, dress, and express themselves. For cisgender individuals, conforming to these expectations is often effortless and aligned with their internal sense of self. However, for those who are transgender or gender non-conforming, these expectations can be restrictive and even harmful.
The lack of cisgender privilege can lead to significant challenges and discrimination. Individuals who do not conform to gender norms often face stigma, harassment, and even violence. This discrimination can extend to various aspects of life, from employment and housing to healthcare and personal safety.
Transgender individuals, particularly transgender women of color, are disproportionately affected by violence. Statistics show alarming rates of hate-based assaults against transgender people, highlighting the dangers of not fitting into cisgender-centric societal norms.
Furthermore, gender identity is deeply intertwined with health equity. Transgender individuals often experience significant health disparities compared to their cisgender counterparts. These disparities can stem from various factors, including:
- Stress and Mental Health: The constant pressure of navigating a world not built for them, coupled with potential discrimination, can lead to chronic stress and mental health challenges.
- Healthcare Stigma and Lack of Training: Some healthcare providers may harbor biases against transgender individuals or lack the specific training needed to provide competent and sensitive care. This can result in inadequate treatment or reluctance to seek medical help.
- Lack of Insurance: Transgender individuals are more likely to lack health insurance, creating barriers to accessing necessary medical care and preventative services.
The everyday experiences of cisgender and non-cisgender people can be vastly different. Cisgender privilege often means navigating daily life without facing the constant microaggressions and challenges that gender non-conforming individuals encounter. These microaggressions, seemingly small but cumulatively impactful, highlight the pervasive nature of cisgender privilege.
Here are some common examples of cisgender privilege in action:
- Name Recognition: Cisgender people are rarely questioned about their name or asked for their “real” name, unlike transgender people who may have changed their name to align with their gender identity.
- Pronoun Assumption: Cisgender individuals can generally assume that people will use pronouns that align with their perceived gender without needing to correct or educate others constantly.
- Privacy Respect: Cisgender people are not routinely subjected to invasive questions about their bodies, surgeries, or personal history related to their gender.
- Safe Public Spaces: Using public restrooms or locker rooms is typically a non-event for cisgender people, while transgender individuals may face harassment, scrutiny, or even violence in these spaces.
- Childhood Congruence: Cisgender people’s childhood photos are generally seen as consistent with their current gender identity, something that is often scrutinized or questioned for transgender individuals.
Understanding what cisgender means and recognizing cisgender privilege is a crucial step towards building a more equitable and inclusive society. By acknowledging the advantages that cisgender people often take for granted, we can begin to dismantle systems of discrimination and create a world where everyone is respected and valued for who they are, regardless of their gender identity.
