Heterosexism – Behavior that grants preferential treatment to heterosexual people, reinforces the idea that heterosexuality is somehow better or more “right” than queerness, and/or makes other sexualities invisible.
The term ‘heterosexism’ typically addresses societal-level ideologies and patterns of institutionalized oppression in contrast to ‘homophobia,’ which refers to the individual attitudes and behaviours.
Same as sexism and racism, heterosexist attitudes can manifest on individual, familial, institutional, and sociocultural levels. Unspoken heteronormative practices contribute to anti-LGBTQI+ messages, impacting mental health through internalized cognitive processes expressed in media, institutional practices, and religious or political ideologies.
Heterosexist assumptions, endorsement of heteronormative culture, and knowledge based on stereotypes impact mental health experiences and psychological distress for sexual and gender diverse individuals.
Heterosexism examples include the lack of legal protection from discrimination or hostility towards same-gender relationships.
(Author: Inga Schmidt)
See more resources
Collins, K. M., & Levitt, H. M. (2021). Heterosexism and the self: A systematic review informing LGBQ-affirmative research and psychotherapy. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services, 33(3), 376–405. https://doi.org/10.1080/10538720.2021.1919275
INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO TRAINING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR THE QUALITY SUPPORT OF LGBTQI+ PEOPLE. Handbook for trainers. Háttér Society (2020). Retrieved 30th November, 2023 https://en.hatter.hu/sites/default/files/dokumentum/kiadvany/common-point-handbook-for-trainers.pdf
Szymanski, D. M., & Henrichs-Beck, C. (2014). Exploring Sexual Minority Women’s Experiences of External and Internalized Heterosexism and Sexism and their Links to Coping and Distress. Sex Roles, 70(1–2), 28–42. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-013-0329-5
APA Dictionary. Heterosexism. Retrieved 30th November, 2023 https://dictionary.apa.org/heterosexism LGBpsychology. Retrieved 30th November, 2023 https://lgbpsychology.org/html/prej_defn.html