Trans 101 : FAQs part 1 – What is cis?
Posted by Ellie
http://smashthecisarchy.wordpress.com/2009/04/23/trans-101-what-is-cis/Cis is a term that pops up quite a bit in trans discussions. It is much maligned, usually by the people it applies to but occasionally by trans people as well. In defining it I hope to present an argument for its validity and indeed, its necessity. I think I addressed the major definition and concern questions that I've seen surface over and over. Obviously there is quite a bit more to say about it, but this will have to do for now.
1. What's cis?
Cis means "on the same side as." It's pronounced "sis" as in sister, and is the functional opposite of trans. The vast majority of human beings are cis. Cis people have matching gender and sexual identities. Trans people do not.
