Billionaire Elon Musk was swiftly schooled on the meaning of the word "cisgender" after he claimed "cis" is actually a "heterophobic" slur against straight people.
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.
But the clueless Musk nonetheless posted the following on X, formerly Twitter:
"Cis is a heterophobic word. Shame on anyone who uses it."
You can see Musk's post below.
Musk's statement clearly expressed how he does not want anyone to acknowledge he is cisgender—but that in itself is problematic.
It suggests he 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.
Musk failed to provide an explanation for why he thinks the term is offensive but this is not the first time he's said he considers the term "cisgender" a "slur."
In fact, he declared as such last year, expressing 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."
Many have taken the opportunity to school him on what the word actually means.
Comments like the one made by Musk 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.
