The term "cisfemale" is often used in discussions of gender and identity, and refers to someone who identifies as female and was assigned female at birth. The spelling of "cisfemale" can be understood through the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): /sɪsˈfiːməl/. The first syllable, "cis," is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a "z" sound; the second syllable is pronounced with a long "ee" sound and is stressed; and the final syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound. This spelling and pronunciation helps to distinguish "cisfemale" from other terms related to gender identity, such as "transfemale."
Cisfemale is a term used to describe an individual who identifies as female and whose assigned gender at birth aligns with their gender identity. The term is derived from the Latin prefix "cis," which means "on the same side," and "female," referring to the gender identity.
Cisgender refers to individuals whose gender identity matches the sex assigned to them at birth. Cisfemale is therefore used specifically to refer to someone who was assigned female at birth and continues to identify as female.
It is important to note that cisfemale is not a term used within the medical or scientific community, but rather within discussions of gender identity and transgender rights. It is used primarily as a way to differentiate individuals whose gender identity aligns with their assigned sex from those who identify as transgender or non-binary.
Using the term cisfemale acknowledges the existence and validity of gender diversity and serves as a reminder that being cisgender is just one aspect of the wide spectrum of gender identities. By incorporating this term into our vocabulary, we can foster a more inclusive and respectful environment for individuals whose gender identities differ from traditional societal norms.
The term "cisfemale" is derived from the Latin prefix "cis-" meaning "on the same side" and the word "female" which refers to someone who identifies as a woman or has biologically female characteristics. "Cis-" is the counterpart to the Latin prefix "trans-" meaning "across" or "on the opposite side". Together, they are used as linguistic descriptors to differentiate between a person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth (cisgender) and a person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth (transgender).