Quiz: Am I Cisgender?

In a world where conversations about gender identity are becoming increasingly open, many people encounter the term “cisgender” for the first time and wonder — does this apply to them? That’s why we’ve created a quiz that will help you better understand yourself and explore this question. But before we move on to the test itself, let’s delve deeper into the topic and examine all the important aspects of gender identity.

What is Cisgender?

The history of the term “cisgender” has its roots in academic circles of the 1990s. German sexologist Volkmar Sigusch first used the term “cisgender” in a scientific publication in 1991. The prefix “cis-” has Latin origins and means “on this side” or “on the same side” — in opposition to the prefix “trans-” (“on that side,” “across”).

In chemistry, this prefix is used to describe molecules where certain atoms are located on the same side of a double bond — cis-isomers. This scientific metaphor perfectly illustrates the essence of the term in the context of gender identity: a cisgender person experiences alignment between their gender and the sex assigned at birth.

The active spread of the term began in the mid-2000s when it started appearing in academic works on gender studies. Biologist and activist Julia Serano contributed to its popularization through her publications and speeches. By 2015, the term was already included in the Oxford English Dictionary.

It’s important to understand the historical context of this term’s emergence. Before its introduction into academic and public discourse, there was a linguistic asymmetry: there was only a category of “transgender” people, while people whose gender aligned with their sex assigned at birth were called “normal” or “regular.” This created and reinforced the stigmatization of transgender people. The introduction of the term “cisgender” helped level the linguistic landscape and emphasize that all gender identities are equally valid.

Explaining the Cisgender Quiz

Our quiz is based on contemporary research in gender identity and social psychology. In creating it, we drew upon the work of leading gender researchers, including the works of Judith Butler, Raewyn Connell, and other recognized specialists in this field.

Each quiz question addresses various aspects of gender self-perception and social interaction. For example, we explore attitudes toward gender roles in different cultural contexts, personal experiences with society’s gender expectations, and internal sense of one’s gender.

The questions are designed to cover different life periods and various spheres of experience. From childhood memories of games and preferences to current experiences of interacting with gender norms at work and in personal life. Some questions address social interaction: “How do you react when others address you using gendered terms?” Others explore internal experiences: “How comfortable do you feel when thinking about yourself in the context of your gender?”

A unique feature of our quiz is that it takes into account cultural differences in understanding gender. What is considered “masculine” or “feminine” behavior can vary greatly across cultures and historical periods. For instance, in some cultures, pink was traditionally considered a masculine color, while in modern Western culture, it is associated with femininity.

Why Gender Self-Identification Matters

Gender self-identification plays a significant role in shaping social relationships and cultural context. Historically, concepts of gender have varied from era to era and from culture to culture. In ancient Egypt, for example, there were entirely different notions of gender roles than in Victorian England.

Modern anthropological research shows that many cultures had and have more complex systems of gender identification than simple binary division. For example, the hijras in India, fa’afafine in Polynesia, or “two-spirit” people among Native American tribes.

In the context of modern society, understanding gender identity is becoming increasingly important for creating inclusive environments in various spheres of life — from education to the workplace. This affects how we create public spaces, develop legislation, and build social institutions.

It’s interesting to trace how attitudes toward gender identity have changed in the scientific community. While a strictly binary approach dominated in the early 20th century, modern research shows a much more complex picture of the interaction between biological, social, and psychological factors in forming gender identity.

Debunking Myths About Cisgender Identity

Many myths and misconceptions have formed around the concept of cisgender identity that are important to examine in detail. One of the most common myths is the idea that cisgender people always fully conform to traditional gender stereotypes.

In reality, gender expression can be very diverse, even among cisgender people. Fashion history perfectly illustrates this: in different eras, men wore heels, used makeup, and wore jewelry, which today many consider exclusively “feminine” attributes. For example, in the 18th century, high heels and face powder were symbols of masculinity and high social status among European aristocracy.

Another common misconception is that cisgender people never experience uncertainty or discomfort regarding their gender. Cultural history shows that gender norms have always been subject to discussion and reexamination. One need only recall the suffragette movement of the early 20th century or discussions about “new masculinity” in modern society.

It’s also important to note the myth that being cisgender is some kind of “standard” or “norm.” Historical and anthropological research shows that concepts of gender have always been much more diverse than might appear at first glance. Different cultures and historical periods have had various systems of gender classification and self-identification.

Concluding Thoughts

The cisgender identity quiz is not just a set of questions, but a reflection of the complex journey society has taken in understanding gender and identity. From the strict binary categories of the past, we have come to a deeper and more nuanced understanding of human experience.

Gender identity is a complex social, cultural, and personal phenomenon that continues to be studied and reexamined. Each new study in this field opens new facets of understanding how people perceive and express their gender.

History shows that concepts of gender constantly evolve. What was considered immutable a hundred years ago may be perceived quite differently today. This reminds us of the importance of open dialogue and readiness to learn new things about gender identity.

The quiz is just one tool for exploring one’s own identity in the context of modern understanding of gender. It reflects the current stage in humanity’s long history of making sense of its nature and place in society.