If someone writes the words "cis" or "cisgender" on X, they might receive a full-screen message stating that it contains language considered a slur by the platform and could be used in a harmful manner in violation of our rules. They have the option to either continue publishing the post or delete it.
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Treating 'Cisgender' as a Slur
Elon Musk announced on X that the terms "cis" and "cisgender" are now classified as slurs, potentially leading to suspensions for repeated and targeted use.
Musk emphasized that any accounts engaging in repeated, targeted harassment would face temporary suspensions, citing the use of "cis" and "cisgender" as examples of such behavior. Since June of last year, he asserted that terms like "cis" and "cisgender" are labeled as "slurs" on the platform.
However, users have only recently been met with full-screen warnings, cautioning them that their posts may breach platform regulations when using these words. Interestingly, this warning seems exclusive to the mobile app.
Despite the flagging of terms like "cis" and "cisgender," certain slurs targeting Black, transgender, and Jewish individuals can still be posted without facing the consequences.
Individuals identified as cisgender have a gender identity that matches the sex assigned to them at birth, while transgender individuals have a gender identity that differs from their assigned sex.
These terms are commonly used across social and medical contexts. For example, the Canadian government includes categories like transgender, cisgender, and non-binary in its census data. Likewise, the American Psychological Association consists of these terms in its glossary.
Sparking Safety Concerns for LGBTQIA+
Following Musk's announcement that "cisgender" would be deemed a slur on his platform, X's policy adjustments have sparked concerns about the safety of transgender individuals on the platform. During the first day of Pride month in June 2023, Musk tweeted that misgendering was "definitely allowed" on X.
A recent report highlighted the failure of social media companies to protect LGBTQ individuals on their platforms, with all major platforms receiving low or failing grades.
Notably, The Hill reported that X was the only platform to witness a decline in its rating over the past year, while YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook all saw improvements.
Musk's persistent efforts to redefine the term have been criticized as disingenuous and inherently bigoted by GLAAD, a nonprofit LGBTQ advocacy group.
TechCrunch reported that their spokesperson expressed concerns over Musk's history of hate-driven rhetoric and behavior, suggesting that his actions may cater to a new right-wing extremist user base on the platform.
This move is seen as a coded but clear signal from the company that transgender individuals might not feel welcome on the platform, potentially deterring advertisers from considering it a safe space for their brands.
