noun
- Plural of heterosexism; systems of attitudes, beliefs, and practices that privilege heterosexuality and heterosexual relationships while marginalizing or discriminating against non-heterosexual orientations.
Usage: academic; social sciences; often used in discussions of discrimination and social inequality
Examples
- The study examined various heterosexisms embedded in workplace policies and hiring practices.
- Educational institutions have been criticized for perpetuating heterosexisms through curriculum and social norms.
- Activists work to dismantle heterosexisms that limit opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Heterosexisms can manifest in subtle ways, such as assumptions about family structure or relationship recognition.
- Understanding heterosexisms is important for creating more inclusive and equitable communities.