Cusper is an identity defined by feeling like one is on the “cusp ” between being transgender and a gender non-conforming “cis” person or between binary genders’ states in general (ie: feeling like one’s experiences and feeling towards their gender falls between being a trans man and a butch lesbian).
One might not feel like either label solely defines them and their experiences, like both identities are important to them and inseparable to eachother, like their identity encompasses elements of the traditional definition of both labels, or like their identity exists at the intersection of both experiences.
They may transition partly, and be known as either gender in different contexts of their life (ie: gladly passing as a man at the workplace, but also being comfortable with being called their significant partner’s girlfriend).
Some examples of people who might feel the term cusper fits them are:
- a transfeminine gender non-conforming gay man; they may take estrogen , have top surgery and refer to themselves as a woman sometimes, but prefer not to have any other procedures or “pass” fully as a woman
- a transmasculine butch lesbian: they may use he/him pronouns, have bottom surgery, and change their legal gender; but still be ok with being referred to and proudly identify as a butch lesbian and as a woman in certain contexts
Identity wise, there’s no definitive line as to who “can” take on/identify with the cusper label. altough it’s inherent gender non-conformity is closely historically and currently linked to mlm and wlw, there’s nothing inherently stopping those who aren’t from using it to label themselves.