The readings began by describing what heterosexism is and how it is considered normal and healthy in society. Those that do not identify as heterosexual become ostracized. Heterosexism exists because of patriarchy and capitalism. Gender oppression keeps capitalism alive and women can relate to his because it is better to be male and heterosexual. Heterosexism is used as a way to divide people and the idea of superiority becomes an illusion that we have to believe in order to stay at the top. (Adams et al., 2010, p.390) As Sue described it, “homophobia is the fear of being or becoming gay”(p.192). Homophobia is presented on different levels such as personal, interpersonal, the institutional, and the cultural levels (Adams et al., 2010, p. 378). Homophobia serves dominant group by establishing and maintaining power and mastery over those who are marginalized or disenfranchised. There are many ways homophobia limits heterosexuals. One …show more content…
The idea is that you have to be masculine if you are a boy and if you are not masculine, you get bullied with name-calling and violence. Sports maintain masculinity, therefore, women are not allowed in the athletics because “women in sports become trespassers on male territory, and their access is limited or blocked entirely”(Adams et al., 2010, p. 400). There is an assumption that all athletes are heterosexual unless they say they are not. If they are not heterosexual they tend to keep it a secret so others are comfortable with their contact and interaction with other athletes on the team. Sports are very anti gay and anti female to the point that they make it known by using derogatory language to describe other gays or females. Athletes maintain that appearance in order for others not to perceive them as inferior or that others can feel comfortable around them proving that they are not gay (Adams et al., 2010,