| Anytime, vicarious! An aspect of heterosexism that I was completely unaware of is heterosexual privilege. I've seen white privilege used as a tool for helping white people identify with people of color, so seeing the same methodology applied to the heterosexual/homosexual experience was really interesting. Here are a few examples of heterosexual privilege:
You can go somewhere knowing that you won't be harassed, beaten, or killed due to your sexuality.
You can express affection in public without expecting hostile reactions from others.
You can acknowledge your partner without fearing that people will disapprove or think you're being "blatant."
You can marry someone you love and receive tax breaks, health and insurance coverage, and spousal benefits such as next-of-kin.
You can belong to whatever religious organization you desire and know that your sexuality will not be denounced by respected leaders.
You can expect to see people of your sexuality represented positively in the media.
I also found it interesting to take what are typically homophobic or heterosexist comments/questions and turn them back around onto people that identify as heterosexual. They seem pretty crazy, don't you think?
"What do you think caused your homosexuality?"
"What do you think caused your heterosexuality?"
"Is it possible that your homosexuality is just a phase you'll outgrow?"
"Is it possible that your heterosexuality is just a phase you'll outgrow?"
"Why do homosexuals place so much emphasis on sex?"
"Why do heterosexuals place so much emphasis on sex?"
My favorites:
"Why are there so few stable relationships among homosexuals?"
"Why are there so few stable relationships among heterosexuals?"
"There seem to be very few happy homosexuals. Techniques have been developed so you could change if you wanted to. Have you considered aversion therapy?"
"There seem to be very few happy heterosexuals. Techniques have been developed so you could change if you wanted to. Have you considered aversion therapy?"
Unrelated to homophobia and heterosexism, the youtube video "Homosexuality: is it a choice?" (top option) is a really light hearted yet informative clip (from For the Bible Tells Me So) about current medical perspectives. |