Cusper is an identity defined by feeling like one is on the “cusp” between being transgender and a gender non-conforming cisgender person or between binary genders in general (For example, feeling like one’s experiences and feeling towards their gender falls between being a trans man and a butch lesbian).[1]
One might not feel like either label solely defines them and their experiences, like both identities are important to them and inseparable to each other, 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 other's girlfriend).
Other 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 okay 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. although it’s inherently gender non-conforming, and gender non-conformity is historically and currently linked to mlm and wlw, but there’s nothing inherently stopping those who aren’t mlm or wlw from using this label.
It should be noted that this term was originally popularized by TERFs, but as the definition is neutral in nature, it can be considered a reclaimed term.
Flag
The cusper flag was designed by Cusperwiki on Tumblr on June 25, 2020.[2] The color meanings are as follows: Dark purple represents mlm. Dark blue represents transmasculinity. Light blue represents a connection to womanhood. White represents unity and transition. Light pink represents a connection to manhood. Reddish pink represents transfemininity. Magenta represents wlw.