I apologize for further pulling this thread off topic, but I really need someone to explain this to me. I understand transgender people do not identify with the genitalia they were born with, but what about those of us who just see our genitalia as a part of our body? If we do not specifically have a gender identity, are we still cisgender? Unlike my sexual orientation (homosexual), there is nothing in my brain that identifies my gender. It is the same with my ethnicity and race. My pale complexion identifies I am of European descent, but nothing inside of me identifies as European. I identify as Italian, German, and Jewish because my parents tell me that is what they are (German/Jewish dad, Italian mother), but nothing inside of me identifies as Italian, German, or Jewish. They are definitely a part of me and define my body, but they do not influence my thoughts or feelings the way my sexual orientation does.The Original BJ wrote:I will continue to use the word cisgender IN REAL LIFE when referring to people who have the privilege of being born with a gender identity that matches their biology, because as far as I can tell, me using that word hurts absolutely no one, and is more respectful to the transgendered community than a word like "normal."
The same goes for my gender. I may have male genitalia and other male physical features (flat chest, narrow hips, broad shoulders, etc.), but nothing in my brain tells me I am male. Society may treat me differently, and I may respond to that with certain male privilege (just like my whiteness influences how society treats me); however, that is not the same as having a gender identity (or race identity) hardwired in me the way I believe sexual orientation is (which I know some folks disagree with). There are definitely people who are a certain race or ethnicity who do not strongly identify with their ancestry, and in extreme cases like Michael Jackson will surgically alter themselves to change their racial appearance. What is the word to describe those people? Transracial?
So basically my most pertinent question is, does every cisgendered person on this board have a gender identity? Am I the only person who has no gender identity beyond what my body says (again, the same as my race/ethnicity). I am really interested in this topic and love discussing it, but I am never around the type of people who even know what cisgendered means.