Heterosexism

Heterosexism is most succinctly defined as prejudice toward a person who is not heterosexual or any act or idea that is not heterosexual. It may be overt or covert, as well as intentional or unintentional. It may be intrapersonal, interpersonal, or institutional in belief or action. Heterosexism may be as subtle as a glance or as violent as murder, while manifesting the full spectrum in between. The presumption of heterosexism is that heterosexuality is normal, is the rightfully privileged affectual identity, and appears to be rooted at the core of most dominant contemporary cultures. It is taught and learned from birth by heterosexuals [Page 845]and members of the lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) populations. Concepts such as “deviant,” “unnatural,” and “morally wrong” are used to ...