Heterosexism

Origin

From heterosex(ual) and -ism; modelled on sexism.

Full definition of heterosexism

Noun

1. The assumption made when relating to others that everyone is heterosexual.
• 2010, Stacey Abbott, The Cult TV Book (page 245)One of the driving forces behind slash and femslash is the pervading heterosexism of commercial media – if television will not give us the due proportion of same-sex eroticism we are entitled to expect, then we will make it for ourselves.
2. Discrimination against homosexuals, bisexuals and asexuals in favor of heterosexuals.

Related terms

• heterosexist
• heteronormative