heterosexism

noun

het·ero·sex·ism ˌhe-tə-rō-ˈsek-si-zəm

: discrimination or prejudice against nonheterosexual people based on the belief that heterosexuality is the only normal and natural expression of sexuality

heterosexist

ˌhe-tə-rō-ˈsek-sist

adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The predominance of heterosexism and a significant lack of LGBT role models and peers means geoscientists and students often struggle with whether to reveal their identity. —

Scientific American, 14 Dec. 2021 Much of it is broadly focused on topics like implicit bias, ableism, gender discrimination, and heterosexism, to name a few topics. —

Shaun Harper, Forbes, 8 Aug. 2022 The elephants in the room, namely, heterosexism and homophobia, and how these cultural systems relate to ... the abuse of ministerial power must be dismantled for the sake of all. —

Tara Isabella Burton, Vox, 28 Aug. 2018 Heterosexism: A system of oppression that considers heterosexuality the norm and discriminates against people who display non-heterosexual behaviors and identities. —

Alia E. Dastagir, USA TODAY, 15 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'heterosexism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.