Heterosexual-centric

Heterosexual-centric describes a worldview, societal structure, or system that prioritizes, normalizes, and centers heterosexual relationships, experiences, and perspectives, often at the expense of, or in disregard for, those of individuals with other sexual orientations. It manifests through assumptions about normative family structures, relationship expectations, and social attitudes, potentially leading to the marginalization or erasure of LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences. It can appear in various forms, from subtle biases to overt discrimination and may be unconsciously maintained through cultural norms and institutions. This viewpoint implicitly positions heterosexuality as the standard and other orientations as deviations. A Heterosexual-centric environment reinforces the idea that heterosexuality is the only 'natural' or acceptable form of attraction.

Heterosexual-centric meaning with examples

• The school curriculum was criticized for being heterosexually-centric, primarily featuring heterosexual family structures and relationships in its literature and social studies lessons, neglecting to represent the diversity of family compositions that exist today. The lack of inclusive representation created an environment where LGBTQIA+ students may feel invisible.
• Media portrayals often present romance and relationships from a heterosexually-centric viewpoint, showcasing only heterosexual couples in lead roles and reinforcing the idea that these relationships are the only ones that merit consideration. This narrow representation limits the diversity of narratives.
• The legal system, in its historical context, was heterosexually-centric, focusing on heterosexual marriage and disregarding the rights and protections of same-sex couples, such as benefits that were provided to only married couples and access to adoption.
• Social events, such as weddings and traditional dating rituals, are often structured in a heterosexually-centric way, using heterosexual examples of who a spouse could be and disregarding the variations of LGBTQIA+ partners and the nature of those unions.
• Religious institutions can display heterosexually-centric attitudes through doctrines that condemn or discourage non-heterosexual relationships, creating a hostile environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals and perpetuating the concept that there is one acceptable romantic expression.