“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.