What Can I Do? Resources
The McGill Equity Subcommittee on Queer People
Now that we know what heterosexism is, and we http://www/mcgill.ca/queerequity/ Let's Talk About
know how to recognize it, what do we do about it?
Here are just a few ways to fight heterosexism: The Heterosexism Enquirer
http://www.mun.ca/the/themain.html
Heterosexism
--Self-reflection—Change starts with ourselves. That
is why the first thing we can do is take a look at our Overcoming Heterosexism & Homophobia:
International Perspectives
own beliefs and actions. Is there any way,
http://www.jtsears.com/overcomi.htm
consciously or unconsciously, that we are
contributing to a heterosexist society? Look inward Heterosexism: Definitions and Responses
first and evaluate yourself, and then begin to work http://www.jtsears.om/intblu.htm
outward while still acknowledging, evaluating, and
University of Wyoming Rainbow Resource Center
ending your own heterosexist tendencies. http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/RRC/
--Education—One of the ways we can begin to learn
how to end heterosexism is by learning more about
how it manifests itself in ourselves and our culture.
Consult the list of resources at the end of this
pamphlet for different websites and books.
---Action—Look for areas where you think you can
make a difference or contribute in some way. Take
the tests found on The Heterosexism Enquirer’s
website about heterosexism in the workplace and
other spaces. You can even collect readings and
information and start your own allies group! There’s
a lot to be done to end heterosexism, and we hope
you will join us in taking action.
www.globalhomestead.org
Why Should We Talk About
What is Heterosexism? What is Heterosexual Privilege?
Heterosexism?
Heterosexual privilege is composed of the many abilities
When thinking about the discrimination faced daily by heterosexual individuals are automatically afforded in
society. These same advantages do not always apply to One of the limitations of heterosexism (along with
the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer non-heterosexual individuals. The following is excerpted other “isms” such as racism and classism) is that it
community, a term that frequently comes to mind is from a list found at the McGill Equity Subcommittee on
Queer People’s website, of some of the privileges enjoyed keeps us from seeing the humanity of others. This is
“homophobia”. But homophobia refers to the antigay
by heterosexual persons. a loss to ourselves as well as a detriment or even
actions that are the expression of a deeper belief that
danger to those who are victimized. Heterosexism is
heterosexuality is the norm and is superior to anything Heterosexual privilege includes the right to:
a problem that has buried itself deeply into our
non-heterosexual. This underlying belief is what is * Show affection in public safely and comfortably,
without fear of harassment or violence culture, and it is going to take a lot of work to
called “heterosexism”. Our goal in this pamphlet is to
* Openly talk about one's partner and relationships eliminate it. The first step is recognizing
discuss the idea of heterosexism in its various forms, to others without considering the consequences heterosexism as a very real issue, and discussing
and talk about ways to end it. * Benefit from societal "normalcy": the assumption
that heterosexual individuals and relationships are various solutions. What is at stake in this dilemma is
valid, healthy, and non-deviant not just a matter of theoretical morals, but of real
* Assume that all people and relationships are peoples’ quality of life and safety. Unless we talk
heterosexual, unless otherwise known about heterosexism, there is never going to be a
* Not face rejection from one's family and friends
because of one's sexual orientation or gender solution, and the problem will continue to grow.
identity
* Easily access positive role models and media
images for one's gender identity and sexual
orientation
* Not be asked to speak on behalf of all
heterosexuals
* Use gender specific pronouns when referring to
one's spouse or partner without discomfort or fear
of reprisal
* Have automatic recognition of one's spouse as
next-of-kin in emergencies
* Easily select reading or viewing materials in
which heterosexuality is the predominantly
reflected orientation
* Have families similar to one's own represented in
children's literature
* Raise children without fear that they will be
rejected or harassed by peers because of their
parents' sexual orientation or gender identities
* Not risk being denied employment, housing, or
other services because of one's sexual orientation
or gender identity
* Marry