preview

Is Heterosexism An Invisible Privilege Associated With Authority And Prestige Label And Stigmatize Individuals And Behaviors That Differ From

Decent Essays

Heterosexism Heterosexism is the belief that all people are heterosexual, and that heterosexuality is superior and more desirable than homosexuality or bisexuality. Throughout history the term homosexuality has always been associated with negative connotations, such as uncleanliness, criminal behavior, sin or a mental disorder. In fact, homosexuality was included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Associations and was not removed as a specific mental illness until 1973. This is a great example of how individuals with authority and prestige label and stigmatize individuals and behaviors that differ from their established norms.
In society, there is often an invisible privilege associated with heterosexuality (Adams, 2010). For an example, heterosexual couples can walk down the street with their partner without fear of being verbally or physically attacked. This is a right that most heterosexual people don’t consider because they have never been forced to question their attraction, or love for the opposite gender, since this behavior is viewed by society as “natural” or a “normal” part being part of being a women or a man. However, the opposite is true for LGB individuals, these feelings of love or attraction for members of the same sex are often questioned by family, friends, religious and government organizations and societal norms. Like all other forms of oppression, heterosexism operates on multiple levels.

Get Access