What is "heteronormativity"

n. 1 The view that all human beings are either male or female, both in sex and in gender, and that sexual and romantic thoughts and relations are normal only when between people of different sexes. 2 discrimination against non-heteronormative individuals. 3 Situations wherein non-heteronormative individuals are ignored or presumed to not exist.

Heteronormativity is the belief that people fall into distinct and complementary genders ( man and woman) with natural roles in life. It assumes that heterosexuality is the only sexual orientation or only norm, and states that sexual and marital relations are most (or only) fitting between people of opposite sexes. Consequently, a "heteronormative" view is one that involves alignment of biological sex, sexuality, gender identity and gender roles. Heteronormativity is often linked to heterosexism and homophobia.