Cisgender as a Term: Its Necessity and Controversial Relevance

The term cisgender, while often met with skepticism, serves a crucial purpose in the discourse of gender identity and has significant implications in the medical field. This article explores why some people believe it is unnecessary and what the opposing view entails.

Why some see cisgender as an unnecessary term

Many argue that the term cisgender is not only unnecessary but also redundant. One common argument goes as follows:

“It’s unnecessary and just plain stupid. When would you use that in an actual sentence on top that it’s bland anyways.”

Some people believe that the term adds no value in the same way that saying a woman is a “cisgender woman” is superfluous. They argue that gender is merely a given and that labeling people as cisgender is an overcomplication.

“Absolutely! Cis is an unnecessary term and redundant. Call a woman a woman. If you’re trans, you are a transwoman. No need to add the cis. It is an Us vs. Them term and is usually used in a derogatory manner as if accepting yourself as you were born is somehow wrong.”

This viewpoint suggests that cisgender should be used simply because it clearly differentiates between individuals who identify with the sex they were assigned at birth and those who do not. Critics argue that this term further separates people into “us” and “them,” which they see as detrimental and unnecessary.

Opposing views on the necessity of the term cisgender

Despite the arguments for its irrelevance, the opposing view highlights the importance of the term in communication and medicine. The term cisgender is used to save lives and prevent misdiagnoses, as mentioned:

“It’s a very clear indicator that could save your life because on your medical record someplace you have everything from your blood type, your sex, gender and the fact that you are transgender or cisgender. And it gives us lots of information about what medicine that we can use to save your life if you are very ill and in need of medicine.”

In the medical field, labels are crucial for accurate treatment. For instance, if a patient identifies as cisgender, healthcare providers can use this information to provide appropriate care. Conversely, using terms like “normal” or “hetero” can be misleading as they don’t provide specific information about gender identity.

Other terms and their limitations

The article also highlights other terms that are often used in place of cisgender and why they are inadequate:

“Normal”: The term “normal” is vague and can be used to describe a wide range of conditions and experiences. For example, normal blood pressure can mean different things for different individuals. It doesn’t specifically address gender identity and can lead to misunderstandings. “Just a man/woman”: As with the term “normal,” simply referring to someone as “just a man” or “just a woman” is too broad and misses important details about their gender identity. It doesn’t account for the complexities of gender and can be seen as dismissive. “Non-transgender”: While this term might seem straightforward, its lack of specificity can contribute to miscommunications. In medical contexts, providing accurate details is critical for effective treatment.

The medical field has standardized the term cisgender to ensure that all individuals receive the appropriate treatment. This term, though new in its widespread use, is akin to other standardized terms such as blood types, which are used to ensure accurate and effective medical care.

Conclusion

The debate over the necessity of the term cisgender continues, but its relevance in medical contexts cannot be ignored. Whether it is seen as unnecessary or a valuable addition, the term remains relevant due to its ability to provide clear and specific information that impacts healthcare. Understanding the nuances of gender identity can lead to better support and more accurate medical care for all individuals.