Work want me to use cis-gender language

[flyawaytrampoline]

I work in healthcare and my employer is insisting I describe women as "cis-gender" to differentiate from transgender women. I don't want to but don't know how to make my Case in a respectful way. Thoughts?

Check your contract.
It highly unlikely that they would have included anything about compelling your speech. Then email whomever and make it clear you consider this compelled speech and you will only comply under duress and if they continue you will seek outside legal advice.

Do the men at work have to do this too?

maya's ruling may help.

I don't believe they can make you and if refuse. I'm NHS.
Print off this paper and quote it.

I've posted it in the hospital intranet and am passing it around.

Accuse them of cultural imperialism or improper use of privilege.

internal-journal.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgwh.2022.818856/full?fbclid=IwAR1GmMyg9yC58i3SargXSSpsw1NgaVoD6raB8cz40YuEgx9VxFTr5A4m4OQ

How would you know if someone identifies as cisgender? Rude to assume.

Tell them women and transwomen work fine.
Being forced to use 'cis' is forcing someone else's religion on you.

I would point to the paper Fanny has posted and also argue that you have no idea if the women you are treating identify as female gender or not. It is not uncommon for women to be female and to not identify as trans but still not be at all comfortable with having a female (or any) gender identity foisted on them.

You could suggest that you would be offended being referred to as cis (if true) and would not wish to risk offending or confusing other women. And as the term “woman” is the predominant everyday language it seems unnecessary.

The more this goes on, the more I think that the term 'cis' has parallels with the derogatory N word used against people of colour in the USA. It's insulting and unnecessary, as there is a perfectly good, acceptable word to use, a word that has been in use for 100's of years, ie woman.

I'd say approach your trade union, but I'm not sure they get it either.

I would be personally very offended if I was referred to as 'cis' anything. I'm not I'm a human adult female, ie a woman

How I put it is this. If trans women feel themselves to be the gender that doesn't correlate with their birth sex, then cis means I feel myself to be the gender correlated with my birth sex. I reject gender strictures so I am a women, but not cis and not trans. Cis means I participate in my own oppression, which I don't.

Technically I suppose I'm agender and therefore come under the umbrella but being old and boring, I don't make the grade.

I told a very woke young woman when she called me cis that I perform gender because it's easier but don't when I don't want to. She didn't especially know what to say.

Just tell him you find that extremely offensive and cannot condone the use of c*s.

I’m arguing that it’s niche and confusing to most people. (Elderly people, English as a second language, people with learning difficulties or ND, religious minority communities etc). Vulnerable People need clear, plain and accurate language especially in regards to health and social care. I pair that with a pitying look.

“Oh gosh no, I don’t want to offend or confuse anyone!”.

Say it is against your philosophical beliefs and you will consider it compelled speech if they try to make you. If you are asked for your philosophical beliefs say "gender critical". There is an established ruling that sets out (roughly) what that means. If they keep questioning you, explain once in very simple terms, in writing, keeping the language very careful.

Something like, 'The word 'cis' denotes the concept that the category of 'woman' is broader than 'adult human female'. I do not share a belief in that concept and am not able to use that word.

You simply cannot assure any female person who is not a transwomen is a cis gendered woman. One is not the mirror image of the other.

Assume not assure!

I don't 'identify' as being comfortable with my birth sex. My birth sex is a pain in the backside. But I'm still a woman.

@Beamur

You simply cannot assure any female person who is not a transwomen is a cis gendered woman. One is not the mirror image of the other.

This. It’s lazy thinking to assume “not trans” = “cis”

If the rule is “don’t assume” then you can’t - simples.

Politely point out that if your employer is worried about offending that a given name and you works for person to person contact and written communication can use peoples initials rather than third party pronouns.

Surely the whole thing for trans women is that they want to be accepted as women.

If there is a separation into cis women and trans women then surely trans women will be unhappy about that?

During the Maya Forestater employment tribunal last week, this issue came up. Her ex-employer said that MF should have referred to women as ' cis' women. And the judge said that this is an offensive term for women, and that the judges 'equal treatment bench book' says this. So judges won't allow the use of 'cis' in courtrooms.

And - the discriptor you used for males -men are not a sub- group of women. Don't use it. They are men. Males. They can't compel you to use that either.

Good luck, stick to your guns and your beliefs. Our gender- critical beliefs are protected in law, following the Maya Forestater judgement.

@HirplesWithHaggis

How would you know if someone identifies as cisgender? Rude to assume.

This is my feeling.

If a HCP described me as Cis I’d be furious.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=YvM1ev2JNTg&feature=youtu.be

Found this. Says it all really.

Ask them how they know that these women identify as “cis” and not “non binary” “ gender fluid” “gender queer” or another of the Q+ genders. What if they are struggling with their gender identity? How can you be sure that they are not in fact “non gender conforming transmen”? Such a mine field.

This is what i think...

You can only believe that "cis women" is needed if you believe that "trans women are women".
I don't believe transwomen are women. "Woman" has a clear enough meaning on it's own without an added prefix.
It is forcing a belief that TWAW on other people if you insist on the use of "cis".

I've never been brave enough to say that though.

I've also never been in your situation so I don't know what I'd actually do! You have my sympathies. Above suggestions are good.