What is Heteronormativity

– the set of discourses and behaviours that validate the dominance of heterosexuality, and the privileging of masculinity.

The idea that heterosexuality is the only normal option and that “male and female differences and gender roles are the natural and immutable essentials in normal human relations,” and all else is disordered and disadvantaged (VandenBos & American Psychological Association, 2015 AU61: The in-text citation "American Psychological Association, 2015" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. , p. 492).

The cultural assumption that everyone is heterosexual or that heterosexuality is the sexual archetype.

The assumption that heterosexuality is the normal or preferred sexual orientation.

Denoting or relating to a world view that promotes heterosexuality as the normal or preferred sexual orientation.

Practices that legitimize and privilege heterosexuality as the only fundamental and natural expression of sexuality.

The notion that heterosexuality is the only acceptable and normal variation of sexual orientation and expression.

A worldview that upholds dominant understandings of gender as binary and prescribes heterosexual coupling as a normal and preferred sexual orientation.

This refers to the generalized idea that exists in individuals and institutions that heterosexuality is the only “normal” or “correct” sexual orientation, and that any other form of sexuality is inferior or abnormal. This mentality leads to the invisibility and discrimination of other sexual orientations, as can be seen in situations where a married woman is asked about her husband without considering the possibility that she has a same-sex partner. In addition, heteronormativity leads us to assume that only those men who behave in a masculine way and women who behave in a feminine way are heterosexual.

The societal concept of heterosexuality—including heteronormative ideas of sexuality, gender, etc.—being a central norm within all society. Any deviation from heteronormativity (LGBTQ+ members, for instance) are viewed as abnormal and unnatural by those benefiting from heteronormativity.

It is an idea, dominant in most societies, that heterosexuality is the only normal sexual orientation, and that only sexual relations between men and women are normal.

A pattern of behavior based on pre-defined gender-role. It is confined to the sphere which limits essential traits as sensitivity to women and masculinity to man.

When it is assumed that the only sexual orientation is heterosexual, excluding and marginalizing any other sexual orientation.

A presumption of heterosexuality and binary gender construction as normal, which positions LGBTQ++ identities as aberrant and worthy of contempt or worse.