Introduction

“What is heteronormativity?

The term was first coined by Michael Warner in the 90s. It refers to heterosexuality being embedded in what society considers normal and those who do not follow this expectation are viewed as less than in society (Warner, 1991). This concept emphasizes how the gender binary is upheld through social expectation of individuals only having sexual and romantic relations with the opposite sex.

Heterosexuality is a societal norm and those who fall outside of this are othered and marginalized, often subjected to violence and discrimination as a result of their identity. This discrimination attempts to force conformity to these norms, discouraging others from being themselves unless they want to face the same fate as others who have experienced this violence.

How is language used to reinforce heteronormativity within the legal system?

Media and legislation contribute to inflating anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments, structuring societal views of queerness and the treatment of queer people within the criminal justice and legal system. Heteronormativity contributes to this because it informs the language media and legal systems use to admonish and alienate queer people.

One example of this is “moral panic” which is this widespread feeling of fear that something evil threatens the values, interests, and/or wellbeing of society. This panic “seek(s) to organize behaviors and attitudes to conform to particular regimes of moral regulation” (Tettey, 2016, 89). This moral panic is applicable to queerness because of the many misconceptions held about LGBTQ+ individuals. People construct anti-LGBTQ language to outcast queerness and reinforce heteronormativity. Creating irrational fear within the general public makes room for more misconceptions and hateful language to be used within media and the criminal justice system.

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