Understanding Cisgender Identity: Lorde Shares Perspective
In a recent interview, Lorde shared her evolving perspective on gender identity, illustrating moments of feeling like a woman and others where she doesn’t. This sentiment is encapsulated in her song ‘Man of the Year,’ where she poignantly expresses, “I’m a woman, except when I’m a man…”. It has prompted a compelling dialogue surrounding what being cisgender entails and its role in the contemporary understanding of identity. Simply put, a cisgender individual aligns their gender identity with the sex assigned to them at birth. For instance:
– A cisgender woman is someone identified as female at birth and identifies as a woman.
– A cisgender man is an individual assigned male at birth who identifies as a man.
Understanding this term assists in distinguishing cis people from their transgender counterparts, who experience a disconnect between their gender identity and birth-assigned sex.
Gender identity is often an unquestioned aspect of personal identity for many. However, as highlighted by Lorde, for some individuals, it can be a multifaceted experience, wherein they might identify with a given label (e.g., woman or man) but also encounter instances of disassociation from it. This complexity doesn’t negate their cisgender identity but reflects a more fluid and nuanced engagement with gender expression and self-identification. Lorde’s evolving self-perception and exploration of her identity, albeit identifying as a cis woman, underscore the variability and fluidity inherent in gender identity and expression.
It’s essential to note that being cisgender doesn’t necessitate adhering to stereotypes or conforming to societal expectations. A cis woman may embody masculine traits, possess a deep voice, or engage in activities traditionally associated with masculinity without compromising her womanhood. This also holds true for cisgender men. These conversations, sparked by Lorde’s candid revelations, emphasize the importance of recognizing that identity is deeply personal and could entail intricate layers, granting individuals the liberty to explore and define themselves without the constraints of labels or societal norms.