What the hell is cisgender, you ask? Well if you're straight and just reading this book to learn more, then you're probably also cisgender too.
cisgender: a gender identity in which your mind's gender matches your biological sex.
Transgender, or just trans*, are umbrella terms to cover all genderqueer terminology, because there is infinite gender identities, just like sexualities. And of course, the basics have names.
Here are some:
genderqueer/gender variant: identity that covers anything other than cisgender, or placement between the two binary ends of the spectrum.
two spirit: a gender identity that is considered a third gender because it is a mixture of both masculinity and femininity.
androgynous: the combination of masculine and feminine qualities.
cross dressing: the act of expressing both gender identities in clothing, or fashion; usually expression of the opposite gender, such as drag kings and queens.
aliagender: another word for the third/other gender.
agender: the lack of having a gender identity
trigender: three different gender identities in one single identity. (see bigender, which is only two.)
bigender: an identity in which an individual is fluid between two identities; ex. "Some days I feel like I'm a mixture of a girl and boy, and other days I'm only a boy." The two gender identities could be anything.
neutrois: an identity that is in the center of the spectrum.
Those are some basic ones but trust me, there are plenty more. This concept may cause confusion, but did you knew there's a difference between gender identity and gender expression?
Gender identity is the gender(s) you identify as. It usually determines the pronouns you use. Gender expression is how you show, or represent a gender, and no, it doesn't have to match your identity at all. Maybe you like to dress masculine, but you prefer female pronouns. Or maybe you love to dress feminine, and wear 'girly' clothes, but you prefer masculine pronouns. Everyone is different.
There are also a lot of problems that genderqueer people face too, so I went into some of them.
1. "Are you a boy or a girl?"
This is not necessarily a bad question, it's just a frustrating one sometimes, because you have to explain your identity again, and again, and again.
Your gender can vary, or it can look the opposite of what it is. You never know. The proper question is what are your preferred pronouns?
2. Being misgendered.
This is a common issue for anyone who isn't cisgender. People assume your pronouns, and call you a "she" when you're really a "he." I've never been misgendered but I know it brings you back to a dysphoric state. Just imagine being called your opposite gender.
3. Not knowing which restroom to use.
The thought process is pressuring and stressful, I've heard. "I've used the women's bathroom all my life, but I feel more comfortable in the men's, so which one? Ugh, forget it. I'll use the family one."
4. Changing your body.
It can be so heartbreaking to know that you have to have money, and be a certain age to fix a problem that you can't control. When you're a teen who's uncomfortable in your body, how do you get rid of those annoying breasts? Or how do you hide that penis that always reminds you that you're not how you're supposed to be? Of course the current times are lending many helping hands to offer different charities that provide money and binders to those in need.
5. "And this is my trans* friend, Taylor."
Actually, I'm just your friend Taylor. My gender situation doesn't define me. But if the person you're introducing me to uses the wrong pronouns, then we can talk.
6. "What's your real name?"
My real name is whatever name I choose, not the name that's on my birth certificate.
7. People mistaking you for a cross dresser.
I don't dress for what people may think matches my body's gender, but that's because my body doesn't match my gender. So technically, no, I'm not a cross dresser.
8. "What genitals do you have?"
You can't just ask people what genitals they have! God Karen, you're so stupid! (comment if you get the reference. ð)
Thanks for reading, please vote, comment and share my story! The next entry is on demigirls and demiguys. :)