All Things Hetero
The purpose of Homophobia, Heterosexism and Heteronormativity is to distinguish the differences between all three terms and their interpretations of them between 3 authors; Suzanne Pharr & Audre Lorde (homophobia and heterosexism), and Miriam Smith (heteronormativity). This reading is important to feminism because it relates to many concepts of feminism itself. Lesbians are mostly much more likely to be a victim than gay men, however both do become victims much more often than heterosexual individuals. The difference between the number hetero female victims and homosexual female victims to violence whether it is physical fighting, sexual assault or mental abuse is significant.
HOMOPHOBIA & HETEROSEXISM:
Suzanne Pharr states the following in her book Homophobia: A Weapon of Sexism; “Homophobia works effectively as a weapon of sexism because it is joined with a powerful arm, heterosexism” (pg 241). Pharr continues with her explanation as to why homophobia and heterosexism are linked. She states that homophobia is based upon the climate that heterosexism creates; heterosexism is the belief that heterosexual individuals are dominant and are seen as the norm in our society for as long as we can remember. It gives us heterosexuals power and privilege over gays, lesbians, bisexuals, etc.. Audre Lorde’s definition of heterosexism is very similar, however she goes into more depth about homophobia. She believes that homophobia is the fear of people who are in love with one’s same sex rather than just pure hatred for homosexuals.
IN DEPTH HOMOPHOBIA
There are 4 types of homophobia described;
1. Personal Homophobia - is the bias one feels due their own feelings in regards to homosexual individuals and relationships whether it is a romantic or sexual relationship.
2. Interpersonal Homophobia - is the behaviour an individual promotes or exhibits that comes from the personal bias they have against homophobia (personal homophobia).
3. Institutional Homophobia - are the many ways government run institutions, businesses and even churches choose to discriminate against homosexuality. An example would be banning them from attending church. This can also be referred to as heterosexism.
4. Cultural Homophobia - is the notion of social standards that “indicate” being heterosexual is the only moral sexual orientation and that everyone should be heterosexual. This can also be referred to as heterosexism.
HETERONORMATIVITY
Heteronormativity, as written by Miriam Smith, means all of society and many social organizations are built off the idea that heterosexual orientation and romantic relationships are the dominant of sexuality. It is also stated that “homosexuality is deviant” (242). This puts gays, lesbians, bisexuals as well as many other sexual preferences individuals may have, outside the norm of our society; it is not seen as normal behaviour.
An example would be that the assumption towards sexuality is always heterosexual UNLESS otherwise stated. This is how the vast majority of people today assume sexuality because of this idea of heteronormativity. Another, more political example would be the lack of financial support or benefits provided due to one’s sexuality which was once the case here in Canada. This was based off the notion that only hetero couples should be given medial and pension benefits because this is the “only form of couple that is worthy..” (242).
