What is heterosexism and heteronormativity?

Heterosexism

Heterosexism is defined as a set of individual, group or institutional norms and behaviours that result from the assumption that all people are heterosexual. It is the practice of assuming that heterosexuality is inherently normal, rendering the experiences and narratives of others – such as LGBTIQ people – invisible, unacknowledged or ignored.

Heteronormativity is the normalisation of heterosexist ideals and behaviours in our everyday lives on an institutional, interpersonal, and personal level. Many of us have lived in environments where heterosexuality and associated practices (such as traditional marriage and nuclear families) have become normalised as appropriate, ideal and acceptable in our everyday lives. As such, our use of language, our social and cultural practices, our belief systems, and our everyday interactions can be governed by heterosexism.

It can therefore be challenging to realise when we are engaging in heterosexist behaviour, or see how heterosexism is entrenched in our curriculum, assessments, and teaching practices. It can also be difficult for us to see how heterosexism can have a negative impact on all students in the tertiary environment and their learning potential.

Other helpful definitions can be found in the Ally Network Glossary

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