Heterosexuality is and should be the standard for "normal" in our society. (Term Paper Sample)

Name Instructor's name Course Date Heterosexuality is and should be the standard for "normal" in our Society Heterosexuality is based on the belief that the relationship between males and females is ideal and natural. This belief is pervasive and persistent with negative implications, especially for non-heterosexual individua's (van der Toorn et al. 160). The heterosexual belief is that any other form of romantic and sexual expression is unnatural. Heterosexual beliefs are deeply embedded in institutions and socialized, and people with non-heterosexual identities also believe it to be true. It is therefore believed that it is an individual's moral responsibility to be heterosexual. These assumptions have also led to the creation of gendered assumptions and conceptions of moral obligation (Gerson 278). Most psychological studies consider heterosexuality the standard for normal, while any other form of sexual being is considered outside the norm. Such assumptions normalize heterosexuality and pathologize other forms of sexuality (Martin and Kazyak 143). Furthermore, the ideas of heterosexuality as normal are often promoted to enhance hegemony where there are limited ways of sexual expression and being. Heterosexuality has been theorized as part of the social system, not a given or inborn system. This paper argues that heterosexuality should not be the standard for normal in Society. The concept of heterosexuality as the norm is associated with masculinity. Various pundits interrogate the relationship between homophobia and masculinity. The conclusions indicate that heterosexuality is a way contemporary masculinity is founded. Homophobic insults such as "faggot” refer to a penetrated male (Pascoe 70). According to societal norms, a male who has been penetrated is deemed to have lost masculine power. Therefore, one of the arguments in support of heterosexuality is based on penetrated masculinity as the determining factor for gender, especially in American societies (Pascoe 71). This position is often the genesis of homophobia, as gay men are often considered less powerful or lacking in some normalcy. According to Pascoe (2005), women in lesbian or queer sexual and romantic relationships do not receive the kind of insult that homosexual men receive. Therefore, gendered identities are based on such forms of masculine harassment. The argument that heterosexuality is and should be normal in Society is misconstrued and ignores other forms of sexual being and expression. The assumption that heterosexuality is the default normal ostracizes LGBTQ+ people (van der Toorn et al. 160). The pressure on other sexual and romantic being forces individuals in different groups to hide their inherent identities and make known that they are not heterosexual. Most people who are not heterosexual find it challenging to come out due to the societal stigma associated with non-heterosexual expressions and identities (Schilt and Windsor). Studies indicate that coming out to identify as non-heterosexual is a strenuous process for most people. Societal pressures fronting heterosexuality as the norm have placed immense pressure on people's sexuality which should be the least important aspect. Not being heterosexual is a small portion of an individual's being that should not affect others who do not identify as such. There is no substantial argument or proof that being LGBTQ+ is inappropriate and that anyone must be shielded from it or from individuals who identify as such. However, such assumptions place unnecessary pressure, especially on younger individuals who do not identify as heterosexual. Unfortunately, such assumptions are embedded in the education system in some jurisdictions. As a result, the learners get inaccurate and inadequate education on sex, sexual health, relationships, and critical aspects for those who identify as LGBTQ+ (van der Toorn et al.). Consequently, those who identify as non-heterosexual become victims of unwarranted abuse and injustice compared to their heterosexual colleagues. There are numerous stories of individuals who feel trapped in the wrong gender. For instance, people are born male but feel they should have been ladies and vice versa. The female or male organ should not define who the person should be sexually. Sexual identity is more than the sexual organ. Society often ascribes sexual and romantic identities when such responsibilities are personal and not a preserve of the Society (Martin and Kazyak). Humans are inherently autonomous and rational and thus should be allowed the freedom to express themselves in ways that bring out the best. Sexual identity and romantic expression are inherent liberties that should be upheld and protected (Schilt and Windsor). Denying individuals such liberties and setting unnecessary social conditions and limitations if infringing on their inherent liberties and rights. Holding that heterosexuality should be the standard for normal in Society has propagated the belief that other forms of being are sinful. Another belief is that homosexuals and different non-heterosexual identities or expressions are heinous (Schilt and Windsor). Individuals involved in non-heterosexual expressions and identities are considered perverts and lesser humans. These views are not different from other social injustices, such as racism. The negative attitudes towards non-heterosexual identities give rise to hate crimes, bullying, various forms of discrimination, profiling, targeting, and violence (Pascoe). Just like racism, these tendencies have been institutionalized and are among the leading causes of stress and depression among sexual minorities. Individuals from other sexual identities rarely access necessary sexual health services or individualized services that address their specific issues. The prevalence of injustices against sexual minorities suggests an ignored social contract that considers heterosexuality a normal used to define boundaries of what is acceptable or normal. These assumptions exert unwarranted pressures on individuals to conform to social pressures that define sexual behaviors and gender roles. These inclinations are the foundations for prejudice and discrimination against other sexual identities and expressions. Homophobic bullying against homosexual boys in schools and Society is a common phenomenon (Pascoe). Also, female students and younger girls often receive unsolicited advice from their parents, colleagues, religious leaders, and elderly adults on conforming to femininity to attract male mates. Sexual minorities are also unwelcome at weddings where heterosexuality is celebrated. Therefore, accepting heterosexuality as the standard for "normal" in Society results in numerous negative social consequences for individuals who violate social expectations. The rigidity of sexual identity and expression of heterosexuality as the standard for normal is unfortunate. Such an assumption ignores the existence of other sexual identities and expressions and unjustly induces unwarranted social injustices (Schilt and Windsor). ...