Heterosexism What is Heteronormativity? The Rainbow Resource Centre envisions a society in Heterosexism is the assumption that hetero- Heteronormativity is the cultural bias in The Rainbow Resource Centre is a non-profit, which diverse sexual and gender identities are included, sexuality is the social and cultural norm as favor of opposite-sex/gender relationships, community-based charitable organization that valued and celebrated as a result of our active well as the prejudiced belief that heterosexu- to that of same-sex/gender relationships. serves as the central agency offering support, commitment to promote and maintain dignity, human als, or “straight” people, are socially and cul- Because opposite-sex/gender relationships information, counselling, referrals, library, and freedoms and human rights. public awareness on issues related to sexual turally superior to lesbian, gay, bisexual, are viewed as “normal” and same-sex/ orientation, gender diversity, and anti-homophobia transgender, Two-Spirit and queer gender relationships are not, lesbian and gay education. (LGBTTQ) people. relationships are subject to a heteronorma- tive bias. Heteronormative bias is a bias that CONTACT US can be eliminated socially, culturally, and le- Heterocentrism gally. Heteronormative biases include: General Inquiries: (204) 474.0212 Ext. 201 [email protected] An (often subconscious) assumption that fax: (204) 478.1160  The under representation of same- everyone is heterosexual, and the attitudes sex/gender couples in advertising and Peer Support Line: associated with that assumption. entertainment media 284.5208 or 1.888.399.0005  Religious biases to not marry same- (Toll free in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario) sex/gender couples Monday to Friday: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Heterosexual Privilege  Heterosexual persons freely discussing (subject to volunteer availability) their intimate relationships without Counselling: (204) 474.0212 Ext. 201 Heterosexual privilege is an advantage auto- second guessing to disclose their part- [email protected] matically given to heterosexual persons sim- ner’s name, gender or pronoun (he/ ply because they are heterosexual. This is she) Address: 170 Scott Street Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3L 0L3 similar to the privileges Caucasian persons receive because of their race or men receive How do you know if you are The Rainbow Resource Centre is open: because they are male. A few examples of participating in heterosexism? Monday 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm (for drop-in counselling only) heterosexual privilege include being able to Heterosexism is like any other social preju- Tuesday 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm display simple affection in public without the Wednesday & Thursday 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm dice, such as racism or sexism. If we don’t Friday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm fear of retaliation, violence, or harassment, include and affirm lesbian, gay, bisexual, (closed weekends and statutory holidays) children’s books only reflecting heterosexual transgender, Two-Spirit, and queer people in parents; and only being able to find hetero- all aspects of our culture and society, and Please visit our website: For individuals who want to learn more sexual wedding cards. Heterosexism can be believing that heterosexuality is the only ac- ceptable identity, then we are engaging in www.rainbowresourcecentre.org both subtle and overt. 2012 heterosexism. HOW DOES HETEROSEXISM HETEROSEXISM WHAT CAN I DO TO STOP Nine Circles Community Health Centre: (204) 940.6000 or 1.888.305.8627 AFFECT Everyone? VS. HETEROSEXISM? (Toll free in Manitoba) STI Info: (204) 945.2437 or Toll free Heterosexism causes undue stress (even in ways HOMOPHOBIA  Become aware of your own thoughts, 1.800.782.2437 we are not aware of) and can affect our per- prejudices and understanding of the Heterosexism is the systemic bias which www.ninecircles.ca sonal choices. Being aware of this can help you LGBTTQ community. favours heterosexuals and heterosexuality. It cope in ways that are healthier and less damag-  Take a step towards unmasking inac- SERC (Sexuality Education Resource Centre): has been encoded into and is a characteristic curate information and challenging (204) 982.7800 (Winnipeg) ing to our physical, emotional, sexual, psycho- of the major social, cultural and economic logical and spiritual well being. stereotyped misconceptions about (204) 727.0417 (Brandon) institutions of our Western society. It stems The Facts of Life Line: (204) 947.9222 or LGBTTQ persons. from the idea that male and female roles,  Make an effort to help others better Toll free 1.800.432.1957 Heterosexism is everywhere – in every thoughts and expressions are separate and www.serc.mb.ca community, job industry, culture, age understand and truly challenge the distinct. Like other systemic oppressions misconceptions, myths, and assump- group, religion, and socioeconomic posi- heterosexism falls within the spectrum of Outwords Inc. (local LGBTT* magazine): tion. tion that exits towards LGBTTQ peo- sexism, racism, classism, abilism and ageism www.outwords.ca ple to name a few. Places like schools and hospitals can act as a COMMUNITY RESOURCES: platform and springboard for heterosexist atti- Homophobia refers to the irrational fear, National and International Links: tudes and beliefs. For example, schools treat Local Links: the lives of non-heterosexuals as a “sensitive dislike, hatred, intolerance, and ignorance of Get It On: topic” and sexual and gender diversity is only homosexuality. In other words, any aversion gAy&E: gay social group that participates in www.getiton.ca discussed in health or guidance classes. Another to those that are not heterosexual. Although Winnipeg’s arts, culture, and entertainment scene. example is giving out harsher punishment to a homophobia has always existed, it is only For more info. email: [email protected] COLAGE (Children of Lesbians same-sex/gender couples violating the school recently that we were able to give it a name, and Gays Everywhere): ground rules while allowing a heterosexual cou- and have come to realize that it constitutes Klinic Community Health Centre www.colage.org ples to pass with an easier and more subtle dis- an unacceptable attitude in a diverse and 24 Hour Crisis Line: ciplinary action for an equal or identical viola- civilized society. (204)786.8686 or 1.888.322.3019 (Toll free) Egale Canada: tion. Also, hospitals may limit patient visits only TTY 784.4097 www.egale.ca to “immediate family” i.e. relatives, and exclude To break it down, heterosexism is a systemic www.klinic.mb.ca same-sex/gender partners and may not be bias which leads to, intersects with and fuels PFLAG Canada: given the privileges that come with heterosex- homophobia (the aversion, or being against, Men’s Resource Centre: www.pflagcanada.ca ual relationships. the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Two- Intake phone line: (204) 956.9528 or A more common example of heterosexism is Spirit and queer community). 1.866.672.3422 (Toll free) GLSEN: assuming that everyone is straight. This often www.elizabethhill.ca/mrc.html (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) happens without even thinking about it such as www.glsen.org asking a woman if she has a “boyfriend” or RAY (Resource Assistance for Youth): “husband” rather than a partner or significant 24 hour help line: 1.800.668.4663 www.rayinc.ca other. The heterosexist assumption is that be- cause she is female she would naturally be dat- ing a male.