The Heterosexual Privilege

        Modern society is filled with a wide array of hidden privileges.  These privileges are caused by “race”, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, religion, and any other social preference.  Heterosexuality is a preference that has such privileges.  Homosexuality: taboo throughout all modern societies, is at a disadvantage.  Although this sexual preference was once accepted and sometimes expected in ancient civilizations, modernity has turned it into a lifestyle that is morally wrong.  This is the basis for the group’s inequality.  What is frowned upon and what is different is reflected in all aspects of society from geography, to entertainment, to personal relationships.  Heterosexuals are clearly advantaged as a result of their population majority.
        All one has to do to see an example of heterosexual preference is to look at media and entertainment.  Television, movies, and books are slanted towards heterosexuals.  Relationships portrayed and personalities illustrated are towards the “straight” preference. (Straight is the colloquial word used to describe heterosexuals meaning this lifestyle is the “right” and moral path). This implies that homosexuals, who deviate from this norm, are “crooked” and should be treated as outsiders.  It is a mindset that is damaging and draining to the soul.
        As a result of the heterosexual majority, the discomfort most individuals feel in the presence of homosexuals, and the obvious entertainment/media preferences, one who is gay has no choice but to suppress their feelings.  This is why homosexuals are conflicted about their true feelings.  It is rare to find a homosexual that has not hidden their true attraction at some point, if not their whole life.  Although homosexuality only determines who one wants to be with romantically, it unfortunately ends up determining so much more.  Years of oppression, lies, and being taught that you are inferior molds who a person becomes.
        Adolescence is a time in one’s life that is already confusing and challenging for any individual, heterosexual and homosexual alike.  Being different in any way, let alone in regards to one’s sexual identity (which is a momentous part of adolescence) obviously adds a life-altering burden.  Many homosexuals as a result resort to becoming great actors.  They must lie, suppress ideas and emotions, and pretend to be someone they are not.  They are never truly at ease in social settings.  Even if they give off an air of confidence and honesty, they have a deep secret.  One must constantly worry about what they say and who they look at.  On the other hand, heterosexuals can express their feelings and thoughts freely.  It is taken for granted the luxury of being open to the world.
        Along with this burden is the milestone of “coming out” (if this is the path they choose).  What are friends and family going to think; which then turns into the question of will they still accept me?  These are all deep questions surrounding just some of the issues that homosexuals must face.  These are the more broad, all-encompassing conflicts surrounding homosexuality.  Being“normal” (a heterosexual) is a “privilege”.  The issues described above are a mere fraction of what constantly must run through a homosexual’s mind.  Below I have composed a list of even more barriers and problems that homosexuals have to deal with.

-It is difficult for me to meet other homosexuals for friendship and romance
-I have to worry about receiving equal rights to that of heterosexuals such as marriage and adoption
-Traveling or living in rural or suburban areas away from the generally accepting urban atmosphere is something I must do with caution
-When I go out for dinner with my partner, I am constantly started at
-It is difficult to find media/entertainment about a homosexual or gay relationship that is not utterly off the beaten path
-I must worry and most likely face the arduous task of coming “out” to friends and family
-I must pretend to be heterosexual and be attracted to someone that I am not
-People will constantly put me into a bubble of the stereotypical homosexual (feminine and promiscuous) before getting to know me
-When I go to heterosexual parties where people are looking to find romance or “hookups” I usually have no options
-Some of my friends of the same sex may always have in the back of their mind that I am attracted to them
-I must find a job where coworkers do not judge me
-I can rarely display public affection with my partner
-I am prohibited to be openly gay in the military
-Almost all religions view my lifestyle as sinful
-People automatically assume that I am straight, so it may be a big deal when
they find out the truth

        The conflicts listed touch upon what homosexuals go through.  There are many larger and smaller problems that go along with being the minority.  Everyone, no matter what their sexual preference, should be able enjoy what is now solely considered the “heterosexual privilege”. These are merely basic human rights. Rights that all of humanity should enjoy. To be true to oneself and equally mingle with all aspects of life.  After all, it is only love that homosexuals are asking acceptance for.

“When I was in the military, they gave me a medal for killing two men, and a discharge for loving one.”

Leonard Matlovich, Air Force Sergeant
Inscription on the gravestone of the first active-duty soldier to acknowledge his homosexuality.

~ Student ‘08

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