Sexuality remains a controversial issue across all societies despite racial, religious, and cultural differences. Throughout history and since human civilization, sex remains an essential activity, endowed with the responsibility of procreation and sustaining the earth with a human population.

1. It is agreeable that the concept of sex has significantly evolved from what it was a hundred years ago. Initially, sex was for reproductive ends, which was justifiable because the human population was low during ancient periods. Hence, the earth needed more people to “operate” it.
2. Gradually, the concept of sex gained new meanings due to the evolution of society and human creativity, I may say. In this new context, sex transformed to be not only an activity meant for procreation but also a pleasure.
3. It is at this juncture where various institutions in the society sought to control and dictate affairs concerning sex. The most notable aspects that began controlling sexuality were religion, culture, and traditions.
4. In most communities, religion restricted sexual intercourse to adults, and married couples only with the rest of the society not allowed indulging in any matters concerning sexuality.  For instance, Christianity still condemns premarital sexual activity – an act referred to as fornication. Sex was also restricted to occur only between males and females.
5. The results of societal regulations concerning sex gave way to the formation of binary gender identity and sexuality (McNeill). In this context, the only recognized gender-based on sexuality was male and female only. The shift and creation of the binary gender identity marked the beginning of heteronormativity and heterosexism.

Heteronormativity and Heterosexism

Hetronormativity and heterosexism are the results of distorted societal interpretations of sex and gender. They stem from an inability to separate the two concepts.

1. Heterosexism is a theoretical perspective based on the idea that relations between male and female human beings are acceptable and all other relations are unnatural and, therefore, unacceptable.
2. Heretonormativity refers to a line of thinking, myths, and beliefs that emphasize heterosexuality as the right and ideal sexuality and that all other forms of sexuality are wrong, unnatural, and inferior. In this context, society is organized only to tolerate heterosexuality while marginalizing all other sexualities (Marchia et al.)
3.  In past and recent years, heteronormativity is rampant across all communities, regardless of social and cultural differences. Currently, more than 60 countries in the world strictly prohibit same-sex relations, meaning that about 2 billion people live in countries where being gay is prosecutable by law.
4. Heteronormativity is the very core of our society. It is historically rooted in every human being’s upbringing. For instance, right from conception to birth, a child’s gender attracts a lot of attention. Thanks to modern technology, parents can now ascertain the child’s gender even before birth. But you may ask yourself, why is it so important for parents to know what gender their child is? Also, why are people so concerned about gender instead of crucial matters like health and weight?
5.  It is because society is so entrenched in heteronormativity that it wants to label and identify children as either male or female, as they cannot choose for themselves. Heteronormativity is encouraged by the use of gender-appropriate toys that continuously indoctrinate child/children into a male or female identity. Although individuals may turn against these doctrines later in life and after “discovering themselves,” it becomes difficult to be accepted in society solely because their parents/guardians remind them of the ways through which they brought them up.

Heteronormativity and sexual injustice in the society

In recent years, a sizeable section of society has managed to speak up on the unfairness and injustice brought about by heterosexuality in human society using protests, peaceful demonstrations, conferences, press releases, and concerts. Over time, the message remains evident in the existence of heteronormativity across all communities. However, it is surprising that despite all these efforts, the situation remains almost like it was many decades ago.

1. There are several factors why the situation has not changed much.
2. One of the factors is that society grants numerous privileges to heterosexual people that make them feel superior to other sexualities.
3. . You all may wonder what these privileges are, and I think it is because, like me, we are all caught up in the same trap of heteronormativity.
4. To fully understand heteronormativity, it is crucial to have a quick look at these privileges, or what they usually refer to as the benefits of being heterosexual.

Heterosexual Privileges

In furthering the idea that heterosexuality is better than other sexualities, society has crafted several institutions to support this notion.

1. Movies and music are meant for entertainment and a powerful tool for communicating societal issues. The entertainment industry plays a critical role in furthering heteronormativity.
2.  For instance, in entertainment, most movies themed on romance are between male and female partners who either fall in or out of love based on the movie’s plot.
3.  Like in romantic movies, music centered on affairs of the heart is confined to binary sexuality.
4. Even in the present era, the entertainment industry does not tolerate same-sex songs or movies (Callis). When produced, they stir a lot of controversies and often get censored across television networks and in some countries.
5. Social institutions act in favor of heterosexuality to the detriment of all other sexualities. Take, for example, schools, colleges, and universities.
6.  In contemporary society, educational institutions accommodate only male and female students.
7. Most institutions have learning and extracurricular programs structured based on heterosexuality.
8. Most schools do not allow other forms of sexuality in the institutions for fear that doing so may adversely affect their reputation, which has taken hundreds of years of “hard work” (Krajan).
9. Quite often, LGBTQ students report bullying and insults from other students due to their sexual orientation.
10. These happenings result in absenteeism, dropouts and pessimistic attitude towards learning.
11. Apart from these institutions, human society itself allows heterosexual people to enjoy acceptance and freedoms that other sexualities do not.
12. In most communities, it is acceptable for heterosexual couples to embrace and display affection in public.
13. It is so hard for same-sex couples to kiss or embrace in public due to heteronormativity. 
14. Humans have made it wrongful and shameful for other sexualities to express themselves openly, even when a person loses their partner or when a relationship dies.
15. The heterosexual population enjoys public recognition and consideration in policy-making procedures.
16.  It is relatively easy for heterosexual people to move freely and acquire houses in almost all neighborhoods without attracting unwanted attention.

Marginalization of the LGBTQ community

Even with the current actions taken to emphasize the rights of other sexualities, most government programs and policies aim at making things better only for the heterosexual community.

I. For instance, if the government decides to raise the minimum wage, it will surely benefit the majority of the heterosexual population.

a. In most scenarios, the government rarely considers the LGBTQ community in decision and policy-making processes.

b. The existing policies protecting the LGBTQ community lack enforcement measures (Sayers, Rachel et al.).

II. On a closer look, you realize that in each privilege enjoyed by heterosexual people, there is an aspect of oppression and marginalization of the other sexualities

a. There is continued mistreatment, inequality, and discrimination of the LGBTQ by the heterosexual community.

b. According to (Lorenzetti, Lisa et al) laws prohibiting discrimination on sexual orientation are not enough in dealing with the problem.

c. In the modern era, discrimination is evolving rapidly and taking more implicit forms that are unlikely to report and address.

d. In the implementation of policies, issues concerning the LGBTQ community do not possess such emphasis (Lorenzetti, Lisa et al.)

e. Across the world, cases of violence and discrimination against other sexualities besides the binary sexuality are quite rampant.

f. The current legal measures never grant these cases the attention given to issues such as child abuse, rape, and gender violence.

g. In such a scenario, the constitution provides imaginary protection while at the same time undermining the welfare of the LGBTQ community by paying more attention to issues affecting the heterosexual community.

III.Besides the unwarranted violence and discrimination meted against the LGBTQ community, healthcare institutions also play a role in the marginalization.

a. Healthcare services are essential and fundamental for every human being, regardless of sexual orientation.

b. The LGBTQ community is often denied access to healthcare services due to their sexual orientation.

c. All Transsexual and gay individuals are highly vulnerable to diseases like Rectal Gonorrhea, HIV, and Rectal Chlamydia (Vincent, Pollack, et al.). These illnesses require specialized treatment.

d. The LGBTQ community pays the same taxes like everyone else, and so, they are entitled to healthcare services like the rest of the population.

Examining the current situation

 The issues highlighted on this paper are just but a superficial insight into the injustice, unfairness and inequality stemming from heterosexism and heteronormativity in the contemporary society. It is critical to note that discussing only the unfairness and blaming the heterosexual community cannot yield any meaningful change to the current situation. 

I. The current interventions by organizations, interest groups, and individuals play a vital role in bringing sexual equality to society.

a. In light of these interventions, society and institutions are finally embracing sexual equality.

II. It is critical to examine the current situation regarding the fight against sexual injustice and address some crucial questions that largely determine the success to be achieved in the process.

a. Is the society ready or anticipating the changes we are proposing?

b. What forces are we facing? (These include age-old institutions that are difficult to change).

c. Who is on our team, and what role are they playing in the struggle for sexual justice? (These are the individuals, groups, and organizations fighting to end heteronormativity).

d. What are the possible outcomes of this process? (Is the fight worth it?).

The questions posited in this discussion provide crucial insight as to why and how the fight to eradicate heteronormativity is going to take place. Answering these questions is vital so as not to leave this discussion without a valid answer to the problem posed by heteronormativity.

I. The first answer examines society’s readiness for sexual equality and justice.

a. From a historical perspective, society is never ready for change. Typically, most communities build on the paradigm of structural functionalism that makes it challenging to alter the state of things, including the status quo.

b. Some aspects, like technology and modernity, have eventually forced humans to adopt a newer lifestyle. Similarly, society is not ready for sexual equality (Herz, Marcus, et al.).

c. Since society holds no room for change, success lies in the efforts of various organizations, groups, and individuals.

II. The second question interrogates the opposing forces to the change being initiated in society.

a. In preparing against heteronormativity, it is vital to recognize the forces opposing change and sexual equality.

b. These are age-old institutions like the church, educational institutions, and family values deeply rooted in heteronormativity.

c. To transform these institutions, it is crucial to understand the underlying factors that make them advocate for heterosexuality over other sexualities.

III. Team members are some of the crucial factors to consider in the quest for sexual equality and justice.

a. These include international and local organizations, government agencies, and even individuals.

b. Currently, there is a need to engage more institutions to boost awareness of sexual injustice and the need to end heteronormativity.

IV. Like any other social struggle, the fight against heterosexism and heteronormativity has been long and arduous; tempting some to question it’s worth.

a. It is critical for all people involved in the struggle against heteronormativity that nothing worthwhile comes easily.

b. The benefits to be reaped from this struggle by far outweigh the efforts, time and expenses committed in eradicating heteronormativity in the society.

c. As most people say, “there is nothing to lose, but everything to gain.”

More questions on sexual injustice

In examining sexual injustice resulting from heteronormativity, it is even more surprising how society takes a harsh stand against all other sexualities, and yet, very little reaches the light about bestiality and prostitution. This automatically creates more questions about the unfairness of human society.

I. Are these sexual tendencies more acceptable than same-sex sexualities? And if not, why does society have double standards on matters relating to sexuality and gender identity?

II. Is the hypocrisy, unfairness, and injustice inflicted upon one portion of society by heterosexism and heteronormativity fair under any circumstance?

Crafting the way forward

From past experiences, it is agreeable that fighting social injustices and in this context heteronormativity, is not simple. However, there are numerous ways through which we can alleviate the current crisis.

I. One of the most critical ways in addressing heterosexism and heteronormativity is creating public awareness on the difference between gender and sexuality.

a. If humanity has succeeded in letting people worship and dress them, equality in sexuality can also be achieved in the long run.

II. It is crucial to eradicate prejudice and champion for equal rights, freedom and justice across all dimensions of the society.

a. Members of the LGBTQ community also want to marry, adopt children, and speak on gender inequality without being viewed to be defending their sexuality.

b. In achieving a harmonious society, it is crucial to cast aside our differences and stand to be corrected when we go wrong.

Works Cited

Callis, April S. “Homophobia, heteronormativity, and slash fan fiction.” Transformative Works and Cultures 22 (2016).

Herz, Marcus, and Thomas Johansson. “The Normativity of the Concept of Heteronormativity.” Journal of Homosexuality 62.8 (2015): 1009–1020. Journal of Homosexuality.

Hillier, Amy, and Devin Michelle Bunten. “A Queer and Intersectional Approach to Fair Housing.” Perspectives on Fair Housing (2020): 154.

Kjaran, J. I. The Institutionalization of Heteronormativity in Schools. In Constructing Sexualities and Gendered Bodies in School Spaces (pp. 97-146). (2017) Palgrave Macmillan, New York.

Lorenzetti, Liza, et al. “Understanding and Preventing Domestic Violence in the Lives of Gender and Sexually Diverse Persons.” Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality 1 Dec. 2017: 175–185. Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality.

Marchia, Joseph, and Jamie M. Sommer. “(Re) Defining Heteronormativity.” Sexualities 22.3 (2019): 267–295. Sexualities.

McNeill, Tanya. “Sex Education and the Promotion of Heteronormativity.” Sexualities 16.7 (2013): 826–846. Sexualities.

Sayers, Rachel, John Levendis, and Mehmet Dicle. “The Sexual Orientation Wage Gap in the USA.” International Journal of Social Economics 44.12 (2017): 1846–1855. International Journal of Social Economics.

Vincent, Wilson et al. “HIV Risk and Multiple Sources of Heterosexism among Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men.” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 85.12 (2017): 1122–1130. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology