noncis

Noncis is a descriptor used to refer to people whose gender identity is not aligned with the sex they were assigned at birth. It is commonly understood as the counterpart to cisgender, though its usage varies by community and context. The term serves as an umbrella for a range of identities that do not identify with the sex assigned at birth, including transgender, nonbinary, agender, bigender, genderqueer, and other identities that fall outside the cisgender spectrum.

Usage and context vary. In scholarly, advocacy, and policy discussions, noncis can help highlight experiences, rights, and systemic issues faced by people who are not cisgender. Some individuals and communities prefer more specific labels (such as transgender or nonbinary), while others use noncis to emphasize a shared experience of not being cis. Because it is a broad descriptor, its inclusivity depends on how it is defined in a given conversation.

Noncis is not a fixed identity; rather, it is a contextual label that describes a relationship to birth-assigned sex. As with all identity terms, it should be used with respect to a person’s self-identification and pronouns. In data, research, and policy, clarifying what is included under noncis can improve accuracy and representation for diverse gender experiences.

Related terms include cisgender, transgender, nonbinary, genderqueer, and gender-diverse. Sensitivity to individual preferences and evolving language is advised.