Heteronormativity

Definition: Heteronormativity is the cultural bias in favor of opposite-sex relationships of a sexual nature, and against same-sex relationships of a sexual nature. Because the former are viewed as normal and the latter are not, lesbian and gay relationships are subject to a heteronormative bias.

Examples of heteronormativity might include:

• The underrepresentation of same-sex couples in advertising and entertainment media.
• Laws that actively discriminate against same-sex relationships, such as laws banning same-sex marriage.
• Religious bias against same-sex couples.

Heteronormativity, like racism, sexism, and heterosexism, is a bias that can only be eliminated culturally--not legislatively. But from a civil liberties perspective, the government should not participate in heteronormativity by enacting heteronormative laws.

Pronunciation: het-er-oh-nor-mah-tiv-it-ee