Gender Identity

Why is identifying as cisgender or within the gender binary of male and female seen as a privilege?

DEFINITION

Identifying as cisgender or within the gender binary of male and female is seen as a privilege because it aligns with western societal expectations and standards of a two gender system. This limited definition of gender has been defined by white cultural notions of masculinity and femininity, which means anyone who identifies outside of this construct are perceived negatively and are at higher risk of being a victim of hate crimes and persecution, particularly if they are BAME (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic) or Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC).

Why is being cis-gender seen as a privilege?

Identifying as cisgender or within the gender binary of male and female is seen as a privilege because it aligns with societal expectations and standards of a two gender system, male and female. This definition of gender has been defined by white cultural definitions of masculinity and femininity, which means anyone who identifies outside of this construct are perceived negatively and are at higher risk of being a victim of hate crimes and persecution, particularly if they are BAME (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic) or Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC).

What is your privilege?

I’m not scared of being verbally or physically attacked when I use restrooms or changing rooms
I have no issue with completing forms that ask for my gender identity, even if it’s not relevant
When I tell strangers my name, they don’t ask for my ‘real’ name or make me feel uncomfortable with how I identify or continue to use the wrong pronoun when referring to me

The stats don’t lie

More than two in five trans people (44%) avoid certain streets because they don’t feel safe there as an LGBT person.
Almost half (48%) of trans people don’t feel comfortable using public toilets through fear of discrimination or harassment.
In 2020 alone, over 30 transgender or gender non-conforming people have now been fatally shot or killed in violent attacks; the majority of whom were Black transgender women.

What to do next?

Working towards creating a more equal & inclusive society (and workplace) starts with recognising the ways we are privileged. Being cis-gender or binary is beneficial in a society that fails to recognise gender variance. If you’re interested in starting a journey to overhaul this imbalance then join the Privilege Project today.

Watch the recorded session on Gender Identity privilege from our launch event.

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If you’re interested in what we do, we’d love to hear from you and share more about The Privilege Project, The PLAN, and our free live stream events.

Please contact the team by email or telephone to learn how to recognise your privilege and use it to create social change.

info@theprivilegeproject.org

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The Privilege Project (HQL) is a member of The CPD Certification Service. Providing recognised independent CPD accreditation compatible with global CPD principles.