1. relating to or based on the assumption that heterosexuality is the only normal or natural sexual orientation
Usage: academic and social criticism; often used in gender studies and LGBTQ+ discourse

Examples

• The school's heteronormative curriculum assumed all students would eventually marry someone of the opposite sex.
• Many films from that era reflected heteronormative values by portraying only romantic relationships between men and women.
• Critics argue that heteronormative language in official documents excludes non-binary and same-sex couples.
• The organization worked to challenge heteronormative assumptions in healthcare and counseling.
• Heteronormative social structures have historically marginalized LGBTQ+ individuals.