2.  Homophobia:
negative
feelings,
attitudes,
and/or fear of
homosexuality
and those
perceived as
being gay,
lesbian,
transsexual, or
transgender
Above, victim of homophobic violence during a protest
against gay marriage in Paris (April 2013).

3.  Heterosexism:
systemic
privilege granted
to heterosexuals
in the
institutions of
society
The legal right to marry, and the tax, medical, and
insurance benefits that go along with marriage, are
examples of how heterosexuality is privileged.

4.  Compulsory
Heterosexuality:
Institutional and
cultural systems
that assume
heterosexuality as
the norm and
reinforce its power
and privilege with
legal, economic,
and cultural
structures
Example: Barbie and Ken are ways our culture has
institutionalized being straight; heterosexuality is the
default.

5. Heterosexism & homophobia work together to:
1. Enforce compulsory heterosexuality
- Example: Male locker-rooms often work to police the
sexuality of male athletes and perpetuate homophobia.
2. Enforce nuclear family as root of patriarchal
power
- Example: one of the biggest arguments against same-
sex marriage is that homosexuals cannot naturally
have children together.

6. 1. Loss of job
2. Loss of acceptance, love, support from family
3. Loss of children (inability to adopt)
4. Lack of legal or economic privilege and
protection
5. Lack of physical safety
6. Mental health is often threatened
7. Lack of community, allies
8. Loss of credibility, respect

7. 1. Loss of job
2. Loss of acceptance, love, support from family
3. Loss of children (inability to adopt)
4. Lack of legal or economic privilege and
protection
5. Lack of physical safety
6. Mental health is often threatened
7. Lack of community, allies
8. Loss of credibility, respect