A cis gay man is someone assigned male at birth who identifies as both male and gay. This means his gender identity matches his sex assigned at birth, and he is attracted to other men.
Gender identity refers to a person's internal sense of being male, female, or something else. Sexual orientation describes whom someone is attracted to romantically or sexually. For a cis gay man, these two aspects of identity align with being male and attracted to men.
Gender identities include cisgender, transgender, nonbinary, and others. Sexual orientations include gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, and more. A cis gay man falls under the cisgender category for gender identity and gay for sexual orientation.
| Identity Type | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cisgender | Gender identity matches sex assigned at birth |
| Transgender | Gender identity differs from sex assigned at birth |
| Nonbinary | Gender identity is neither exclusively male nor female |
Many people confuse gender identity with sexual orientation. For example, assuming all gay men are feminine or that being gay is a choice. These stereotypes ignore the complexity of individual experiences. According to GLAAD, understanding these distinctions is important for fostering inclusivity.
Using correct terms like "cis gay man" helps reduce stigma and promotes respect. For instance, referring to a cis gay man as simply "gay" can overlook the importance of acknowledging his gender identity. The Human Rights Campaign emphasizes that precise language is key to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals.
When I worked with a local LGBTQ+ advocacy group, we saw firsthand how proper terminology could help individuals. Providing resources that explained these concepts helped many people feel seen and understood.