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Definition of "heterosexism" []

  • Discrimination or prejudice against lesbians or gay men by heterosexual people. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "heterosexism" in a sentence
  • "What is significant in the term heterosexism is the fact that it describes discrimination and/or violence perpetrated by heterosexuals against those perceived to be in deviation from heterosexual norms."
  • "I titled my address, "Homophobia: How We All Pay the Price," based on the notion that homophobia -- sometimes referred to as "heterosexism" prejudice and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender LGBT people is pervasive throughout society and each of us, irrespective of sexual or gender identity and expression, is at risk of its harmful effects on many levels."
  • "The word heterosexism has also been proposed to mean essentially the same thing. ["