Cisgender vs. Nonbinary

Attribute	Cisgender	Nonbinary
Definition	Identifying with the gender assigned at birth	Identifying with a gender outside of the binary male/female system
Pronouns	Typically use he/him or she/her	May use they/them, xe/xem, or other gender-neutral pronouns
Gender Expression	May align with societal expectations for their assigned gender	May have a gender expression that is a mix of masculine and feminine or neither
Gender Identity	Identifying as the gender assigned at birth	Identifying as a gender different from the one assigned at birth

Definition

Cisgender refers to individuals whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. This means that a person who is cisgender identifies as the gender they were assigned at birth, whether that be male or female. On the other hand, nonbinary is a term used to describe individuals who do not exclusively identify as male or female. Nonbinary individuals may identify as a combination of genders, neither gender, or a gender that is different from male or female.

Gender Expression

Cisgender individuals often conform to societal expectations of gender expression based on their assigned sex. For example, a cisgender man may typically present himself in a masculine way, while a cisgender woman may present herself in a more feminine manner. Nonbinary individuals, on the other hand, may express their gender in a variety of ways that do not necessarily align with traditional gender norms. This can include mixing elements of masculine and feminine presentation or creating a unique gender expression that is personal to them.

Pronouns

Cisgender individuals typically use pronouns that align with their gender identity. For example, a cisgender man may use he/him pronouns, while a cisgender woman may use she/her pronouns. Nonbinary individuals, however, may use a variety of pronouns that do not fit within the traditional binary of he/him or she/her. Some nonbinary individuals may use they/them pronouns, while others may use neopronouns such as xe/xem or ze/zir.

Legal Recognition

In many countries, cisgender identities are legally recognized and protected. This means that cisgender individuals can typically access legal documents, such as driver's licenses and passports, that reflect their gender identity without facing significant barriers. Nonbinary identities, however, may not be legally recognized in all jurisdictions. This can create challenges for nonbinary individuals who wish to have legal documents that accurately reflect their gender identity.

Gender Dysphoria

Cisgender individuals do not typically experience gender dysphoria, which is a condition where a person experiences distress due to a mismatch between their gender identity and assigned sex. Nonbinary individuals, on the other hand, may experience gender dysphoria if their gender identity does not align with the traditional binary of male or female. This can lead to feelings of discomfort, anxiety, and depression related to their gender identity.

Visibility

Cisgender individuals make up the majority of the population and are often represented in mainstream media and popular culture. This visibility can lead to greater societal acceptance and understanding of cisgender identities. Nonbinary individuals, however, may have less visibility in mainstream media and may face challenges in being recognized and understood by society at large. This lack of visibility can contribute to feelings of isolation and marginalization for nonbinary individuals.

Support and Resources

Cisgender individuals may have access to a wide range of support and resources that are specifically tailored to their gender identity. This can include healthcare services, support groups, and advocacy organizations that cater to cisgender individuals. Nonbinary individuals, on the other hand, may have fewer resources available to them that are specifically designed to meet their unique needs. This can make it more challenging for nonbinary individuals to access the support and resources they need to navigate their gender identity.