A form of psychological or institutional prejudice, bias, or favoritism that treats heterosexuality and the institutions with which it is associated (i.e., marriage, the nuclear family, etc.) as superior to other forms of relationships and families.
the all-encompassing nature of the ideology which naturalizes male-female sexual relationship as the only permissible relationship in society. This ideology pervades different sites in society and becomes institutionalized as a structural bias against sexuality minorities in the law, state and wider society. Obviously, this bias is most often fully internalized and subconscious and is often difficult to detect and reverse.
A belief in the naturalness and superiority of heterosexuality and the power to enforce that prejudice. Expressed on an individual, cultural, and/or institutional level through assumptions, policies, and procedures.
The tendency to see the world in exclusively heterosexual terms and to dismiss or demean homosexuality. Also known as heterosexual bias.
1. Social structures and practices that serve to elevate and enforce heterosexuality while subordinating or suppressing other forms of sexuality. 2. Belief that heterosexuality is the only "natural" sexuality and that it is inherently healthier or superior to other types of sexuality; an ideological system that denies, denigrates and stigmatizes any non-heterosexual form of behavior; condones discriminatory practices and violence against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender individuals and creates unique developmental challenges otherwise not present such as overcoming internalized homophobia and coming out.
Rejecting homosexuality as a normal, valid sexual orientation.
includes discriminatory behaviour aimed specifically at gays and lesbians. Heterosexism assumes a heterosexual model as the only viable form of intimacy.
is the belief and practice that heterosexuality is the only natural form of sexuality. It also includes a belief that 'heterosexual' is better than 'homosexual'.
discrimination in favor of heterosexual and against homosexual people
Heterosexism is prejudice against people who are gay, lesbian or bisexual. Homophobia (fear of such persons) can lead to discrimination and violence against homosexuals or people perceived to be gay, lesbian or bisexual.
The assumption that everyone is heterosexual (or should be) and that heterosexuality is the only 'normal,' right, and moral way to be and that, therefore, anyone of a different sexual orientation is 'abnormal,' wrong, and immoral
The belief that heterosexuality is the norm.
The institutionalized assumption that everyone is heterosexual and that heterosexuality is inherently superior to and preferable to homosexuality or bisexuality.
A system of cultural beliefs, values, and customs that exalts heterosexuality and denies, denigrates, and stigmatizes any nonheterosexual form of behavior or identity.
Resources related to issues of homophobia and heterosexism
the belief that heterosexuality is superior to homosexuality or bisexuality, or the tendency to assume that everyone is heterosexual. (RS)
the belief that everyone is heterosexual, and that heterosexual behaviour is more highly valued than homosexual behaviour.
Assumption that the only type of sexuality is heterosexuality or that heterosexuality is morally and qualitatively superior to same-sex relations (i.e., medical forms that are inappropriate for LGBT people, lack of domestic partner benefits for same-sex couples).
Heterosexism refers to culturally and institutionally entrenched attitudes and practices which serve to oppress and marginalise LGBT/I persons.
The attitude that heterosexuality is the only correct orientation; that lesbians and gay men, homosexuals, bisexuals and polygenders are not entitled to the same rights as heterosexuals. Frequently used, albeit incorrectly, as a synonym for homophobia.
The attitude that heterosexuality is the only valid sexual orientation. Often takes the form of ignoring lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. For example: a feature on numerous Valentine's Day couples that omit same-sex couples.
the belief that everyone is and everyone should be heterosexual; prejudiced attitudes or discriminatory practices against homosexuals.
The societal assumption that everyone is heterosexual, and that heterosexuality is somehow superior to homosexuality; the systematic and/or institutional oppression of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons.
A bias toward heterosexuality, to the exclusion of homosexuality.
Heterosexism is prejudice and/or discrimination against people who are or who are perceived to be lesbian, gay or bisexual.
Presumption that heterosexuality is superior or the "preferred norm" to homosexuality or bisexuality. Also: prejudice, bias or discrimination based on that presumption.
Systems and ways of thinking that reinforce a belief in the inherent superiority of heterosexuality and heterosexual relationships, thereby negating the lives and relationships of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people.
Presumption that heterosexuality is universal and/or superior to homosexuality; prejudice, bias, or discrimination based on such presumptions.
Heterosexism is a predisposition towards heterosexual people, which some see as biased against lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender or intersexed, people among others. A related term is Sexual Prejudice, a negative attitude toward someone because of her or his sexual orientation. Matlin, Margaret W.,Ph.D., "The Psychology of Women", (2004) This bias is not the same as Homophobia, but rather is the discrimination towards or against non-heterosexual behavior due to a cultural or sociobiological bias.