National Cis Day

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Welcome to WhatNationalDayIsIt.com where we uncover the internet history of all those quirky national days. Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of National cis Day!

When is Cis Day?

It's national cis day on the 31st March.

Internet History of National cis Day

So, you're probably wondering what the heck is cis and why does it have its own national day? Well, my friend, let me enlighten you.

Cis, short for cisgender, refers to individuals whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth. It's basically the opposite of being transgender. The idea behind National cis Day is to celebrate and raise awareness about the experiences and challenges faced by cisgender folks.

Although National cis Day is not widely recognized, it has gained some popularity in recent years. On March 31, 2015, the internet witnessed a wave of recognition for National cis Day with four mentions found online. People took to social media to share their stories, spread awareness, and show support for cisgender individuals everywhere.

While it may not have the same level of fame as other national days, National cis Day serves as a reminder that gender identity is a spectrum, and everyone's experiences should be acknowledged and respected.

History behind the term 'Cis'

1991

Origins of the term 'cis'

The term 'cis' originates from the Latin preposition 'cis', which means 'on this side of' or 'on the same side as.' It was first introduced in academic literature by the German sexologist Volkmar Sigusch in his publication 'Transsexualismus und Sterilisation' in 1991. Sigusch used 'cis' as an antonym to 'trans' to describe individuals whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.

1995

Widespread usage in academic circles

The term 'cis' gained wider recognition within academic circles in the late 1990s. It was primarily used in discussions surrounding gender studies, specifically in contrast to transgender individuals. The term was found to be useful in highlighting the societal privileges often associated with aligning with the sex assigned at birth.

2002

Inclusion in the Oxford English Dictionary

The term 'cis' gained official recognition when it was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2002. Its inclusion further solidified its relevance and legitimacy in the English language. This milestone marked a significant step towards broader acceptance and understanding of gender identities and the experiences of individuals who are not cisgender.

2005

Increased usage in activist and LGBTQ+ communities

By the mid-2000s, the term 'cis' became more prevalent in activist and LGBTQ+ communities. It provided a means of acknowledging and discussing the experiences and perspectives of cisgender individuals, promoting better understanding, and challenging traditional gender norms. This helped foster inclusivity and allowed for a more nuanced exploration of gender identity.

Present

Mainstream awareness and continued relevance

In recent years, the term 'cis' has gained substantial visibility and has become more widely understood outside academic and LGBTQ+ circles. It is now commonly used in mainstream conversations about gender identity, discrimination, and privilege. Its widespread adoption demonstrates a growing recognition of diverse gender identities and encourages a more inclusive understanding of gender as a social construct.

Did you know?

Did you know? Some people prefer to use the term 'gender assigned at birth' instead of 'sex assigned at birth' to better reflect that gender and sex are not the same thing.