Heterosexism is the false assumption that everyone is or should be heterosexual because it is assumed to be the only acceptable and viable life option; this assumption often leads to discrimination based on sexual orientation; a form of homophobia. This term is used to be more inclusive of those who may face prejudice based on their orientations without indicating that people who hold that prejudice have a mental illness they can't control. Most of the society contains a mind-set that heterosexuality is superior and more desirable than homosexuality or bisexuality, just because heterosexuality is considered “normal” and the way it should be for a normal person to live. (Urban Dictionary, 2003) People who cannot accept this way of living often give negative sanctions to homosexualists, and judge them according to their own perspectives and judgement. They tend to believe that heterosexuality is far superior and the only way for people to live a proper life. People who are identified as heterosexual have emotional, sexual, and romantic relationships with people of the opposite sex. A common term for a person who identifies as heterosexual is …show more content…
In western culture, heterosexuality is nearly omnipresent in a variety of cultural institutions. In the United States, governmental policy, TV, movies, and popular literature, and schools assume that its constituents are heterosexual. Thus, people, by default, are assumed to be heterosexual and are treated as such. This mis-identification can be detrimental to non-heterosexual people. From early childhood, people are surrounded by representations of heterosexual relationships and are taught that those relationships are the norm. Often, people who are not heterosexual feel that they are surrounded by only heterosexual people, which can make them feel isolated and confused. (Heterosexuality,