5.4: Heteronormativity, Cisnormativity, and Socially Constructed Hierarchies
- Page ID
- 304330
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)The LGBTQIA+ community has been a marginalized group, and have faced discrimination and hate and have been targets of violence. People have sought to deny their identity and pursued efforts to invalidate queer identities. The rights of this community have been debated by government officials, sometimes leading to laws that protect rights, and other times, to deny rights.
One of the reasons queer people have been seen as deviant and are marginalized is because of the idea of heteronormativity, the assumption that all people are heterosexual, and that there are no other types of sexuality. Heterosexuality is normalized through myriad practices, so that it becomes naturalized as the only legitimate form of sexuality. There continues to exist a socially constructed hierarchy that classifies certain identities are privileged and other identities are marginalized in society. Because of this hierarchy, there is what is considered a charmed circle and the outer limits of what is culturally seen as acceptable sexual behavior. Heterosexuality is privileged as the orientation that is the norm, and as a result, homosexuality and queerness are viewed as unnatural.
Cisnormativity has more to do with gender, in that it is the assumption that all individuals identify with a role that corresponds to the sex assigned to them at birth (cisgender). Understanding human sexuality through a Cisgender, heteronormative lens automatically, labels LGBTQIA+ people as abnormal, and often results in microaggressions - subtle language or behaviors, often unintentional, based on stereotypes toward marginalized groups of people. Microaggressions maintain heteronormativity and/or cisnormativity by invalidating non-hetero or trans folx lived experiences. An example of this could be is when a cisgender, heterosexual female asks a cisgender lesbian female if they have a boyfriend. Another could be if a cisgender male expresses hostility over a transgender male who uses a men’s bathroom. The previous example is an act of a microaggression, but tragically, in some cases trans males have been assaulted while just trying to use the restroom.
Heteronormativity and cisnormativity are built into the fabric of American culture, which can cause many queer identifying people to hide their true selves from their friends and family. Unfortunately, sexual orientation and gender identity are stratified concepts in society. The hope is that one day in the near future, it’ll be okay to be who you are without worry of backlash and discrimination, but until then, the need for solidarity is critical. There are solutions for overcoming the harmful effects of heteronormativity and cisnormativity. Speaking truth to power is one way to move the conversation forward. Allies are critical in the struggle. Here are a few organizations to check out: PFLAG |, About GLAAD,LGBTQ Youth Resources | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health | CDC, LGBTQIA+ Resources - Positive Images
If you are a person who is questioning your sexual identity or gender identity, surrounding yourself with open minded people who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, or those who affirm your own identity will help you feel supported. Remember, one of the goals of this textbook is radical self-love so be sure to practice self-love now! If you are getting harmful rhetoric from friends or family members that make you feel ashamed of your sexual and/or gender identity, get help setting some boundaries, especially if it is negatively affecting your life. Sometimes, your chosen family can be who you need to turn to if your blood family is unable to accept you just exactly as you are. Just know that you are valued, and there is a community out there ready to invite you in.
Why does the United States do such a dismal job regarding sexual education? Was it always this bad? Is it worse now? What is the history of Sex Ed in the U.S.? Watch and see: Sex Education In America: A Brief History