Connect with WOK members who identify as Cisgender Women — and learn what it means.
Identity is personal.
Respect is universal.
Curiosity is welcome.
A cisgender woman is someone who was assigned female at birth and continues to identify as a woman throughout her life. The term “cisgender” (often shortened to cis) refers to the alignment between a person’s gender identity and their assigned sex at birth. In the case of a cis woman, both her physical designation at birth and her internal sense of self align with womanhood. This is often perceived as the societal “norm,” but it’s simply one of many valid gender identities.
The word “cisgender” comes from the Latin prefix cis- meaning “on the same side,” used in contrast to trans-, which means “across” or “beyond.” The term began appearing in academic and LGBTQ+ communities during the 1990s, with the aim of offering a neutral term for people whose gender identity matches their assigned sex. It gained broader visibility in the 2010s, particularly as public discussions around gender identity grew more nuanced and inclusive. The intent was never to "label" cis people, but to acknowledge that everyone has a gender identity—not just those who are trans or nonbinary.
Understanding what it means to be cisgender—especially as a cis woman—helps shift the narrative that only trans people navigate questions of identity. Everyone has a gender identity, and naming cisgender as one category among many allows for more accurate, respectful conversations. It also helps avoid positioning cis women as the default or “normal,” which can unintentionally marginalize others. By using inclusive language, we open the door to empathy, deeper understanding, and more equitable discussions about gender and identity.
Cisgender Man: A person assigned man at birth who identifies as a man.
Transgender Man: A person assigned female at birth who identifies as a man.
Transgender Woman: A person assigned male at birth who identifies as a woman.
Nonbinary: An umbrella identity for those who don't exclusively identify as male or female.
Agender: Someone who identifies with no gender at all.
Gender Roles: Social expectations associated with being male or female.
Female-Assigned at Birth (AFAB): Often used in medical, academic, or identity discussions to describe birth assignment without assuming gender identity.
Being a cisgender woman is one of many valid ways to experience and express gender. While this identity often aligns with mainstream expectations and norms, cis women are still shaped by societal ideas about femininity, identity, and gender roles. Acknowledging cisgender identity doesn’t diminish anyone’s experience—it enhances our collective ability to understand the full spectrum of gender. Ultimately, recognizing cisgender women as part of the broader conversation is key to creating a more inclusive and compassionate world.