Safe Space

Heterosexism

Heterosexism is the systematic, pervasive, routine, institutionalized mistreatment of individuals on the basis of their membership in various groups (lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual) which are disadvantaged by imbalances of power in society.

Heterosexism is the invalidation, denial, or non-recognition of the complete humanness of LGBT people. Heterosexism takes the form of institutional as well as individual mistreatment, including violence.

This definition was borrowed with permission from Hugh Vasquez and Isoke Femi, TODOS: Sherover Simms Alliance Building Institute, Oakland, CA 94612.

Strategies to combat Heterosexism

  • Don’t assume that everyone you meet is heterosexual.
  • Provide safety by making clear your support of GLBT community.
  • Challenge heterosexism whether or not people who identity as GLBT are present. Don’t always leave it to GLBT community to do it.
  • Remembering that silence is complicity, challenge and confront statements that target the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender and the assumptions behind them.
  • Do not assume that a gay or lesbian of the same gender is automatically attracted to you.
  • Change your use of language from “Do you have a girlfriend/boyfriend?” to “Are you seeing anyone?” Heterosexism is promoted and maintained powerfully through language.