From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
Heteronormativity is the belief that people fall into distinct and complementary genders (man and woman) with natural roles in life. It asserts that heterosexuality is the only sexual orientation or only norm, and states that sexual and marital relations are most (or only) fitting between people of opposite sexes. Consequently, a “heteronormative” view is one that involves alignment of biological sex, sexuality, gender identity and gender roles. Heteronormativity is often linked to heterosexism and homophobia.
From Urban Dictionary:
A viewpoint that expresses heterosexuality as a given instead of being one of many possibilities.
Often expressed subtly, heterosexuality is widely “accepted” as the default sexuality by both print and electronic media, education, law makers, and a range of attitudes expressed by society in general.
The subtle assumption of heterosexuality can be very harmful to those who do not entirely fit within its bounds.
A Heteronormative assumption that a boy will grow up and marry a woman.
A Heteronormative assumption that a girl will grow up and marry a man.
Heteronormative children’s books only portraying heterosexuality.
Heteronormative TV Shows only portraying heterosexuality and the assumption that every character is heterosexual.