Important Definitions:Heterosexual Privilege: the un-earned benefits that a straight, gender-normative individual gets simply for identifying as heterosexual.
Lesbian Baiting: heterosexist belief that any woman who enjoys the company of other women is automatically a lesbian (Green & Peterson). Biphobia: the fear or discrimination against bisexuals which can occur both from within the LGBTQ community and the society at large. Homophobia: the irrational hatred or fear of homosexuals and/or homosexual behavior, often resulting in hostility and violence against LGBTQ people. Transphobia: the fear of those who's gender does not match society's very black and white definitions of gender. |
HeterosexismHeterosexism is any form of prejudice against individuals and/or groups who show non-heterosexual behaviors or identities (Green & Peterson). Heterosexism does not always have to be hostile and violent (ie- homophobic) in order to be labeled as such. Heterosexism stems from our society's heterosexual assumption. Heterosexual assumption can be one of two things:
Our society is filled with fear and misunderstanding about homosexuality. These negative attitudes increase the feeling of rejection in LGBTQ members and create serious risk factors for queer, non-gender normative children growing up in a very black and white, "straight" world (Mercier & Berger, 1989). Growing up in a "straight" world means that LGBTQ members are forced to either conform to the heterosexual lifestyle or label themselves as "othered" and "different." Many people who don't yet understand their sexual desires feel pressure to define themselves because society tells them that their label is important — it's everything. "Do you like boys, you must be gay," "Oh, you think she's pretty, you're definitely straight," "You want to wear a dress, you must be transsexual." These questions, this world's obsession with defining everything is a huge problem that needs to be fixed. |
Do you understand Heterosexism?Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gay (PFLAG) has created these two worksheets to help people better understand heterosexism and it's privileges. Through understanding the oppressive ways in which our society views being straight as "normal" and being LGBTQ as "weird" or "wrong" we can better work towards ending heterosexism.
Imagine A World Where Being "Gay" the Norm and Being Straight the Minority!
K. Rocco Shields created and directed the short film Imagine A World Where Being "Gay" the Norm and Being Straight the Minority! in order to show the true impact of LGBTQ bullying and suicide. The film turns the tables on our heterosexist society and helps show what it would be like if the shoe was on the other foot.
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Examples of Institutional Heterosexism*Family
*Institutional heterosexism is the ways in which society is set up to benefit only heterosexual people while oppressing anyone who does not conform to gender norms or heterosexual identity (Green & Peterson).
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