Friendly reminder that with July, "heterosexual awareness month" we should all remember that the cultural conception of Straightness and normalized straight relationship dynamics are inherently toxic.
I want to start by saying that in this context, I am not talking simply about heterosexuals, but rather Straightness- the concept of straightness in our larger cultural setting, its pervasiveness in our culture, media, and socialization.
In practice, it relies on highly ritualized gender roles (including male predation and female purity), enforces false binaries, is encoded with cissexism and expectations of obligatory parenthood (which is both sexist AND ableist). It is entrenched with heterosexism and heteronormativity. It’s seen as more valid and stable than other forms of attraction (bisexuals, for example, are often written off as being REALLY straight but as just having a “gay/lesbian phase.”) and thus is violent towards those other identities.
As long as straightness is seen as the default, average, and expected mode for all romantic relationships, with anything else seen as a deviation from this norm, it is oppressive.
We need to uncouple the idea of men who are only attracted to women and women who are only attracted to men, with the complicated, corrupt web of expectations that envelopes Straightness. We need to recognize that normalized dynamics of straight relationships are toxic and oppressive. It is damaging for heterosexuals and LGBTQIAP+ people alike to be complacent within this system.
It is not enough for us to gain acceptance within this system. We must critique and challenge the system as a whole.
Can't wait for Heterosexual Awareness Month!
