Heterosexual Agenda

In my Human Sexuality class, the professor went on a sidebar in class against people who are saying people are promoting the "homosexual agenda." I've had some issues with this professor because he can tell some really offensive jokes. He is great when we are just talking about culture, science and the human body, but he will do anything for a laugh. So when he went on this rant, all was forgiven for a second. At the end of his speech, he said, "if anything, the country is promoting the heterosexual agenda." For an assignment, he asked us to all come up with 10 ways that prove this statement was accurate. Here were the things that I came up with:

1. Relationships portrayed in movies, television, advertisements, novels, etc. are dominantly heterosexual.

2. As a society, we tend to allow straight PDA (Public Displays of Affection), but not PDA from gay couples. ex. "I don't care if they are gay, but I don't want to see it [or flaunt it]."

3. We try to "fix" people in the community. This is especially true around religions. (And calling it a choice falls under this category.)

4. We have a very gendered language, especially about relationships. Asking a girl, "Do you have a boyfriend," or asking a guy, "Don't you think that girl is hot?"

5. When we see a gay couple, we assign gender roles: "So, which one is the man, and which one is the woman?"

6. Films get higher MPAA ratings if sex between a same-sex couple is shown. (Watch This Film is not Yet Rated)

7. In classrooms, especially elementary, children learn about one type of family. And if teachers teach others, they can be persecuted or fired.

8. Our government protects straight couples, and individuals, more than people in the community. Marriages laws (and the benefits that come with it) especially support this statement.

9. In magazines and made-over shows for women, the headlines are dominated with stories like "How to attract a man."

10. As a society, we force people "out." We are so curious about people's sexuality, especially if we can't figure it out quickly. We don't force straight people to talk about their sex lives, why do we do it with LGBT individuals? Gay celebrities are especially subjected to this behavior.

So, that was my 10 ways. Can you think of any others? I know there are millions, and the more we start to recognize them, hopefully, the faster we can overcome them.


*P.S. I say "We" as a whole culture and country. If you personally don't fall into any of these, thank you!