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Heteronormativity
Heteronormativity is how heterosexuality (or being 'straight') is seen as the norm or, in some cases, the superior. It is the bias expressed by a society that can be obvious but which is often subtle and pervasive, whereby individuals are conditioned to expect others to live and behave as if everyone were heterosexual.
Like sexism, heteronormativity is firmly entrenched in the prevailing customs, traditions and institutions of society and often leads to the neglect of issues facing gay men and lesbians. Heterosexuality also leads to the dilemma of whether to hide the fact you are gay or decide to come out, with all that this entails.
Homophobia feeds on heteronormativity, and both can be equally damaging. When services are heteronormative, they can, at best, prevent the needs of our community from being met and, at worst, cause someone to become disenfranchised or isolated. Examples could include our presumptions about family life ("You met that special woman yet?") or prevent access to core services we all need ("What do you mean you were raped?").
Heteronormativity and homophobia within society create an atmosphere where LGBT+ people are less valued and vulnerable than their heterosexual counterparts. While landmark legislation in recent years now plays an important part in setting out what people can say and do, there remains a mismatch between what the law states and how people actually behave and treat gay men and others within the LGBT+ community.
Heteronormative services
Heteronormative services refer to systems, organisations, or institutions designed, delivered, or structured in a way that assumes heterosexuality as the norm. These services can exclude and/ or marginalise LGBTQ+ people by not recognising or accommodating their specific needs or experiences. Examples:
- Delivering services with heteronormative expertise only
- Assuming clients or patients are heterosexual unless explicitly stated otherwise
- A lack of professional curiosity to identify specific health or social issues
- Failing to consider boyfriends, same-sex partners or diverse family structures
- Services using forms with ‘male’ or ‘female’ only options
- Cultural or religious beliefs that implicitly or explicitly reject LGBTQ+ identities
Why it matters
- LGBTQ+ individuals can feel alienated or invalidated, discouraging them from accessing vital services
- A lack of tailored support can lead to unmet health needs including worsening disparities in mental health, sexual health or drugs and alcohol services, for example
- Assumptions and biases can lead to microaggressions or, in some cases, discriminatory practices
Mainstream and LGBT+ services
While some gay men are comfortable accessing mainstream services, we believe LGBT+ specific or gay-friendly services (with relevant knowledge and expertise) have a better understanding of the culture, context and issues affecting our lives. This can be critical when accessing a chemsex support service that ‘knows you’ and meets your needs.
Change and inclusivity
Of course, all health services aim to be welcoming, respectful, knowledgeable, and understanding; the thing is to find a service that’s right for your needs.
Services are trying to be more inclusive but we still hear numerous anecdotal stories from gay men who say they have to explain who they are, talk about deeply personal issues to a seemingly heterosexual professional, describe gay sex, hook-up culture, and chemsex.
Check things out
If you’re looking to register or join a service
- Check to see if ‘chems’, ‘LGBT’ ‘gay’ or ‘gay and bisexual men and who have sex with men‘ (GBMSM) included anywhere on their website
- Call anonymously to find out if the ‘vibe’ feels right, find out if they are ‘gay-friendly’ and gauge their response
“What can you tell me about how your service supports gay men or wider LGBT+ community?”
“Have your staff had training on chems, gay men’s health, and LGBT+ issues?”
“How do existing clients respond to LGBT+ people?”
“Would you say your service is LGBT+ accessible?”
This may seem a little direct but it’s kind-of the point. Listen to what they have to say. You will most likely get the “all staff are professional” response but go with your gut feeling and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You will most likely speak to a receptionist, but if you would like someone more senior, you can ask to speak to a manager. Even in the 21st century, responses from services will vary. You may wish to consider telling them about your sexuality once you feel you can trust them, though, in the meantime, this may affect the treatment you receive.
LGBT+ helplines, HIV and LGBT+ organisations
If you don’t know where to start, phone Switchboard or contacting a local HIV or LGBT+ organisation can be a good place to start. While they may not be able to help you directly, they usually know what’s going on in the area and can signpost accordingly.
More
How the Internet Became Straight | The MIT Reader | 9 Apr 2022
How to create LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace: recognising the role of privilege | LSE | 10 Mar 2022
14 Queer Characters Who Got "Straightwashed" Into Heteronormativity By Hollywood | BuzzFeed | 8 May 2021
Heteronormativity: definition, societal examples and why it’s harmful to LGBT+ community | Pink News | 11 Apr 2019
10 Examples That Prove Straight Privilege Influences Everything | Yes! | 5 Oct 2017
Deafening Silence of Growing up Gay in a Heteronormative Society | Ross Rossouw | TEDx Youth | 6 Jun 2023 | 17m 13s
Gay and Heteronormative | Michael Henry | 11 Jan 2022 | 2m 50s
Alok Vaid-Menon Exists Outside Of Your Heteronormative Gender Binary | StyleLikeU | 22 Feb 2015 | 14m 48s
What Is Heteronormativity? | Childline | 24 Feb 2014 | 4m 43s
LGBT+ Glossary (G-H-I) | MEN R US
Heteronormativity | Wikipedia