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Colorado Republican Representative Lauren Boebert was criticized after she supported Twitter CEO Elon Musk's declaration that the term "cisgender" is a slur.
Cisgender refers to individuals who identify with the gender they were assigned at birth.
It is a term commonly used in the LGBTQ+ community to distinguish between cisgender individuals and transgender individuals. The term is not meant to be derogatory or insulting but rather a way of acknowledging that not everyone identifies with the gender they were assigned at birth.
Both Boebert and Musk failed to provide a proper explanation for why they think the term is offensive. Instead, they suggested the term is unnecessary and people should not have to acknowledge their gender identity.
Musk said he considers the term "cisgender" a "slur" in a post in which he expressed his opposition toward gender affirming care for transgender individuals on the grounds people "should wait until an individual is mature enough to make their own decisions before other adults make permanent, serious physical changes to them."
While Musk acknowledged the argument transgender people who do not receive gender affirming care "may never reach adulthood due to suicide," he nonetheless stated it "does not hold water if mortality is essentially unchanged."
You can see Musk's post below
\u201c@krassenstein @ZubyMusic The Swedish study says \u201csex-reassigned transsexual persons of both genders had approximately a three times higher risk of all-cause mortality than controls\u201d. \n\nIf we take as given that the other study 2-3X suicide rate is correct, then doing surgery or chemical sterilization on\u2026\u201d— ZUBY: (@ZUBY:) 1682420682
Shortly afterward, Boebert responded with the following message:
"I’m with @ElonMusk, the word “cisgender” is ridiculous and a slur. I’m a woman. I don’t need a qualifier."
You can see Boebert's post below.
\u201cI\u2019m with @ElonMusk, the word \u201ccisgender\u201d is ridiculous and a slur.\n\nI\u2019m a woman. I don\u2019t need a qualifier.\u201d— Lauren Boebert (@Lauren Boebert) 1682734570
Boebert's statement she does not want anyone to acknowledge she is cisgender at all is particularly problematic.
It suggests she views cisgender identity as the default or normative experience and acknowledging other gender identities is unnecessary. This is a harmful perspective that reinforces gender stereotypes and limits the ability of individuals to express themselves authentically.
Many have called her out as a result.
\u201c@laurenboebert @elonmusk I see. So you're okay with calling a transwoman "him," but you think someone calling you "cisgender" is "ridiculous" and a "slur." What a fine example you set for your kids. Such as the one you set for your minor son who got a 15-year-old girl pregnant. Good job!\u201d— Lauren Boebert (@Lauren Boebert) 1682734570
\u201c@laurenboebert @elonmusk See what you did there bobo? You declared yourself against a scientific term because it does not suit you...And yet you want to deny others that same right and respect\u201d— Lauren Boebert (@Lauren Boebert) 1682734570
\u201c@laurenboebert @elonmusk A slur? Lol. It's Friday night... nothing better to do?\u201d— Lauren Boebert (@Lauren Boebert) 1682734570
\u201c@laurenboebert @elonmusk Of course you\u2019re with him. You jump on other peoples bandwagons because you don\u2019t have an original of your own.\u201d— Lauren Boebert (@Lauren Boebert) 1682734570
\u201c@laurenboebert @elonmusk Elon must be ecstatic you\u2019re with him. That\u2019s sarcasm by the way.\u201d— Lauren Boebert (@Lauren Boebert) 1682734570
\u201c@laurenboebert @elonmusk Apparently you don\u2019t need a qualifier. True. In anything.\u201d— Lauren Boebert (@Lauren Boebert) 1682734570
\u201c@laurenboebert @elonmusk You don\u2019t have to use such a descriptor if you\u2019d rather not. Some people will opt to use such a descriptor. Once again, it\u2019s about choice.\u201d— Lauren Boebert (@Lauren Boebert) 1682734570
Comments like the ones made by Musk and later Boebert suggest transgender individuals are mentally ill or abnormal.
Gender identity is a deeply personal aspect of a person's identity and should be respected and valued, regardless of whether or not it aligns with societal norms or expectations.
The term "cisgender" is not a slur, but rather a way of acknowledging the diversity of gender identities that exist. It's important to recognize and respect the experiences of transgender individuals and to use language that is inclusive and affirming.
Dismissing the term "cisgender" or denying the existence of transgender individuals only serves to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and limit individual expression.