Cisnormativity: Definition, Challenges, and Deconstruction for an Inclusive Society
Definition : Cisnormativity is the twin sister of heteronormativity, applied to gender. It is this omnipresent and often unconscious presumption that everyone is cisgender.
- Keywords
- cisgender, transgender, non-binary, heteronormativity, gender identity, gender binary, cisgender privilege, inclusivity, deconstruction
- Topics
- LGBTQ+ Terminology and Concepts
- Updated
What is Cisnormativity?
Cisnormativity is the twin sister of heteronormativity, applied to gender. It is this omnipresent and often unconscious presumption that everyone is cisgender. It is the act of considering it an absolute given that a person’s gender corresponds to the one assigned to them at birth.
Cisnormativity in Everyday Life: A Binary World
This thought system structures our world in the most concrete way possible. The binary division of public restrooms, changing rooms, toy or clothing aisles is the most striking example. It leaves no room for those who do not fit into these boxes. It is the architect of a world that is not designed for trans and non-binary people.
Language and Interactions: The Traps of Cisnormativity
Cisnormativity is also deeply rooted in our language and interactions. When addressing a group by saying “Ladies and Gentlemen,” when presuming the gender of a stranger based on their appearance, when being surprised that a man can be pregnant, we are fully in cisnormativity. We assume that bodies, identities, and gender expressions are always perfectly aligned according to a binary model.
The Devastating Consequences of Cisnormativity on Trans People
This norm has direct and brutal consequences on the lives of trans people. It is the reason why civil status change procedures are an uphill battle. It is what fuels unhealthy curiosity, inappropriate questions about bodies and operations. It is the source of misgendering, because if being cis is the norm, then being trans is an anomaly that can be ignored.
Fighting Cisnormativity: Towards a More Inclusive Society
Fighting cisnormativity means getting into the habit of never presuming someone’s gender again. It means integrating into one’s thinking the idea that trans journeys exist, that they are valid, and that they deserve to be taken into account. It means normalizing asking for pronouns, using inclusive language, and believing people when they tell us who they are.