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Culture July 27, 2017
This needs to go!
The term heteronormativity often comes up in gender studies classes. We know that it’s a mouthful and has a negative connotation, but what does it actually mean?
This system is essentially the perpetuation of social norms. It defines which gender expressions and sexualities are considered “normal” and acceptable. Many, however, argue that it contributes to social problems such as the patriarchy, homophobia and transphobia.
So what’s the deal?
ENTITY is here to clear up some of the confusion.
Merriam Webster defines the term as an idea “based on the attitude that heteronormativity is the only normal and natural expression of sexuality.” This system encompasses expectations of gender roles, identities and sexualities deemed “natural.” The assumption is that everyone is cis-gender (more on this later), heterosexual and performs traditional gender roles.
So basically, if you are biologically female, you identify as a woman. You also like the opposite sex and are traditionally “feminine.”
Unfortunately, this concept has real consequences for members of the LGBT community and for society as a whole. Here are some heteronormative assumptions that demonstrate why we should kick this system to the curb.
Patriarchal gender roles are the foundation of heteronormativity. Society deems men and women inherently different in ways far beyond genitalia. As a result, we must act and present ourselves based on these perceived differences.
According to Boundless, “In the U.S., masculine roles are usually associated with strength, aggression and dominance, while feminine roles are associated with passivity, nurturing and subordination.” Why is this a thing again?
This all begins from the moment we are born. Doctors wrap us in a blue or pink blanket to confirm whether we fit into the world as a girl or a boy. From there, boys must play with trucks and guns while girls break out the dolls and Easy-Bake Ovens.
From childhood, we set standards that qualify men as strong providers and women as vulnerable nurturers. Women who aren’t inherently nurturing and men who show their emotions don’t fit into these boxes. As a result, society rejects and ostracizes the individuals who don’t accept rigid social norms.
Traditional gender roles operate under the idea that men and women are different. However, we may not be so different after all. In a scientific study, the behavioral neuroscientist Daphna Joel found that “there is no one type of male brain or female brain.” The study showed that only .01 percent of the subjects have stereotypically male or female attributes in their brain.
Heteronormativity, however, pushes these false notions of differences between the two sexes. Thus, it is our choice to accept or reject patriarchal gender norms.
Society typically considers a partnership between a man and a woman the only “normal” romantic relationship there is. As a result, this invalidates anything that goes against the norm. And media representations only enforce these expectations further. The vast majority of romantic relationships in the media are heterosexual.
Under that logic, it’s “abnormal” to be lesbian, gay, bi or anything other than straight. Heterosexuality is the standard and those who don’t meet that expectation must deal with uncomfortable questions. Some may include how you have sex and if you think your sexuality is “just a phase.” Some may even suggest that you simply haven’t found the right person or that you are confused.
Then, there’s also the problem that if someone doesn’t fit the stereotypical idea of what it looks like to be gay or lesbian, then they’re just automatically assumed to be straight.
For example, in a Reddit post regarding heteronormativity, the user mundabit said, “When I talk about my girlfriend, people assume she’s a female friend who I call a ‘girl friend.’ Then they act surprised or even offended when I correct the assumption.” In this case, it is assumed that the person is straight before they verify their sexual orientation. By contrast, a straight couple would not have to explain their romantic involvement.
Under heteronormativity, female and male are the only acceptable gender identities. Anything else outside of that is considered “non-binary.”
As Dr. Meredith R. Chapman explained to Teen Vogue, “Non-binary gender is any gender that isn’t exclusively male or female. Non-binary people may feel some mix of both male and female, somewhere in between or something completely different.”
Often, the outside world misunderstands individuals who do not follow this system. However, many reject the binary despite the challenges it entails.
Now let’s bring back the term cis-gender. Google defines cis-gender as a “personal identity and gender corresponds with their birth sex.” While this is the norm, it is not the only gender identity that exists.
For example, some people choose to identify as “gender fluid,” or a mix of both genders. These folk don’t feel like they’re at one end (male or female end) of the gender spectrum or the other. An individual can also adopt a genderless identity; they would then be “gender neutral.” Transgender men and women, on the other hand, identify as the gender opposite of the one they were assigned at birth because it better represents their identity.
The assumption that the only way to live is to be cisgender and heterosexual is a problem within itself. However, defining people who aren’t cisgender or heterosexual as “different” and less desirable goes beyond hurtful words. There are real-world consequences.
The National Coalition for the Homeless reported that even though LBGTQ people make up 10 percent of the population, they account for 20 percent of the homeless population. The Trevor Project, on the other hand, estimates this number to be even higher: 40 percent. And according to The Safe Schools Coalition, “Youth consistently report severe family conflict as the primary reason for their homelessness. LGBTQ youth report double the rates of sexual abuse before age 12.” LGBTQ youth living on the streets also suffer more from violence and harassment than their heterosexual counterparts.
According to the human rights campaign, sexual orientation is the third-highest motivator for hate crime incidents; it accounts for 17 percent of total attacks. And in 2007 the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network published a study showing 86 percent of LGBT youth are harassed at school. Mental Health America also reported that “Gay, lesbian and bisexual youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual counterparts.” Also, self-harm among LGBT youth is more than twice as likely to occur than it is for straight youth.
Heteronormativity is not doing anyone any favors.
It is a belief system that pushes us all to act and dress based on restrictive social norms. Women must present themselves in a way that is “feminine” while men must play a stereotypically masculine role. If someone doesn’t identify with their biological sex, then this becomes even more complicated.
Heteronormativity also projects the idea that other sexualities are strange or wrong. We see straight as the natural sexuality, so we assume that everyone fits the norm. The people who go against the grain are judged, ridiculed and even attacked. It hurts the LGBTQ community and it holds us back from progressing as a society.
It’s about time for us to kiss this rigid practice and belief system goodbye. See you never heteronormativity. We won’t miss you.
