Heterosexism: the Heterosexual Privilege issue

[Behind the Aegis]

Heterosexism is defined as:

a system of attitudes, bias, and discrimination in favor of opposite-sex sexuality and relationships. It can include the presumption that other people are heterosexual or that opposite-sex attractions and relationships are the only norm and therefore superior. source: Wikipedia

Seems pretty cut and dried, but many don't understand the profound effects this systematic discrimination has on GLBT people. Sure, most people are aware of homophobia, even what it is, and that it is "bad", but when it comes to 'heterosexism' one experiences raised eyebrows and looks of puzzlement. A primary example is marriage equality. It has been battled in various states for the past 10 some odd years, and now it is going before the SCOTUS. While many are optimistic equality will win out in the end, there are other battles needing to be fought, which are seemingly going unnoticed; this would be an example of the heterosexism which permeates through society.

Heterosexism is not realizing, even with a SCOTUS win for marriage equality, the struggle is not over. It doesn't mean same-sex couples can pack it in and kick up our heels. Heterosexism is not realizing homophobic laws are still on the books and, worse still, enforced in various states and locales. Heterosexism is not understanding how the recent decision to modify the FDA ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood is still homophobic (see: FDA Releases Plan to Ease Restrictions on Gay Blood Donation). Heterosexism is not realizing or noticing states are already springing into action to pre-emptively work against a possible SCOTUS win on marriage equality (see: Tex. bill would bar local officials from issuing same-sex-marriage licenses). Heterosexism is not being aware in the past year, upwards of 80 anti-LGBT bills have been introduced in 28 states (see: Anti-LGBT Bills Introduced in 28 States). Heterosexism is being unaware GLBT people can be evicted from their homes, lose their jobs, lose their children, and face a host of other offenses on a daily basis. Heterosexism is being blasé when a gay/lesbian person has to search high and low for an anniversary card tailored to GL needs. Heterosexism is being flippant with understanding a GLBT relationship and trying to mold it into a "heterosexual model". Heterosexism is not understanding a loss from the SCOTUS will create the potential for states, which currently have same-sex marriage allowances, to step backwards in time.

An article from The Wall Street Journal titled: Firms Tell Gay Couples: Wed or Lose Your Benefits, highlights the depths of heterosexism. The thought process for those business to drop same-sex benefits (dependent on a positive ruling from SCOTUS) in favor for spousal benefits ignores the reality of the political, social and legal landscapes of the US. In states where GLBT folks are protected in housing and employment, such a policy might be acceptable because all couples, gay or straight, would be on equal footing. However, there are many states where GLBT people are not protected in issues of employment or housing, sometimes both; therefore, making a G/L couple potentially choose between benefits from one spouse's job and the potential for the loss of a home, the other partner's job, or both. Unlike most same-sex benefits, which are solely between the worker and employer, marriage is a matter of public record. It is that public record which can create a host of problems.

Heterosexism and homophobia often intersect, but many people have worked on their homophobia and recognize it when it happens. The same can't be said of heterosexism. It is time for people to understand this phenomena and address it and work to confront it, just as they have with homophobia.