Do you see cis as a threat to your identity?
I’m a cis woman and I’m genuinely confused by the rage some fellow cis women have for the word “cis.” I’ve had so many frustrating conversations where they snap, “I’m just a woman biological/natural, why do I need a label?”
Here’s the thing, cis isn’t a slur, it’s just a descriptor. We use labels to communicate! If we scrap cis, we’re implying cis women are the “default” or “normal” women, while trans women are the “other.” And funny enough, these same women have zero issue with the term “trans”, they just want to single out trans without owning their own identity.
We need cis to talk about gender issues fairly. It doesn’t take away from being a woman. So why the pushback? As a cis woman, do you mind being called cis?
I totally get why the term "cis" might feel a bit jarring at first. For many of us, growing up, "woman" was just… "woman." There wasn't a need for a prefix, and the idea of adding one seemed to imply some kind of change or categorization we hadn't asked for. But as I've spent more time reflecting on this specific aspect of my identity, I've realized that embracing "cis" isn't about diminishing my womanhood; it's about acknowledging a specific aspect of it. It’s like saying I’m a "blonde woman" or an "introverted woman" – it specifies, but doesn't reduce, what being a woman means to me. Some cis women might perceive 'cis' as an unnecessary label, or even one that implies they need to justify their identity. The image overlay from our chat even asks if having a 'problem with the term' is 'valid.' I think that feeling, while understandable, often stems from a misunderstanding of the term's purpose. It’s not about taking away from our experiences as women but about creating space for all women's experiences to be recognized and respected. It’s about being precise in our language so that everyone feels seen and included. Think of it this way: when we talk about "women's health," it has historically, and often still does, implicitly refer to cis women's health. Adding "cis" allows us to specify when we mean women whose gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth, and conversely, allows us to talk about trans women's health with clarity and without erasing their experiences. This isn't about creating division; it's about precision and inclusivity in our conversations about gender, which is so crucial today. It's about ensuring our discussions are comprehensive and equitable. For me, owning "cis" as part of my identity has become an act of solidarity. It allows me to participate in discussions about gender with a more nuanced understanding, recognizing that my experience as a woman is one specific experience among many valid ones. It helps me be a better ally and advocate for all women, understanding that the broader fight for gender equality benefits from clear, respectful terminology. It’s about building a more inclusive sisterhood, where no one's identity is assumed as the 'default' and everyone has a place at the table. So, if you're a cis woman finding yourself grappling with this term, I encourage you to see it not as a label that confines you, but one that clarifies and empowers you to engage more thoughtfully in the broader tapestry of gender discussions. It’s a tool for understanding, not a weapon for division. What are your thoughts on how accepting 'cis' has impacted your sense of self or your understanding of gender issues? I'm genuinely curious to hear other perspectives on this journey of identity and acceptance.
because it truly doesn’t matter. it’s like calling women “females”, it’s just from a biological standpoint and just weird overall. i don’t expect trans women to say “trans woman trans woman” just say woman???