Cis for Dummies

Hey there! I'm really excited to help you understand the word "cis." It's totally understandable if this word seems confusing at first, but don't worry, we're going to break it down together and make it super clear!

So, what does "cis" mean? Well, "cis" is actually a prefix that comes from Latin, and it's used to describe something that is in its original or natural state. It's like when you have a cup that is right-side up, and it hasn't been turned over or flipped. We say that cup is in its "cis" position because it is exactly as it should be.

Now, here's where it can get a bit trickier, but I'm confident we can understand it together!

In the world of gender identity, "cis" is a term we use to describe someone whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth. You might be thinking, "What does that actually mean?" Well, let's break it down even further!

First, we have to understand gender identity. Gender identity is how a person feels inside and how they understand themselves to be. It's like how you know inside yourself if you feel like a boy or a girl, or sometimes both, or maybe not exactly either. It's all about how you personally feel and identify.

Now, let's talk about sex assigned at birth. When a baby is born, the doctor or midwife usually looks at the baby's body and assigns them a sex based on certain physical characteristics. They might say, "It's a boy!" or "It's a girl!"

So, when we say someone is "cisgender" or simply "cis," we mean that their gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, if someone was assigned female at birth and they also identify and feel like a girl or a woman, then they are cisgender.

Still with me? Great!

Now, let's remember that "cis" can also have another meaning in the world of chemistry. In chemistry, it can refer to a specific type of molecular structure where two similar atoms or groups are on the same side of a molecule. Think of it like having two magnets that have the same poles facing each other – they both repel because they're on the same side!

So, to sum it all up, "cis" can mean something is in its original or natural state, like a cup that is right-side up. In terms of gender identity, "cis" describes someone whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth. And in chemistry, it refers to a specific molecular structure where similar atoms or groups are on the same side.

I hope I was able to make the meaning of "cis" clear for you! If you have any more questions or want more examples, just let me know. I'm here to help!