Question

Discuss how heteronormativity is oppressive to identity formation.(200 words)

Answer 1

Heteronormativity relates to majorly accepted sexual orientation people should have. The idea of heteronormative suggests a norm regarding a sexual relationship expressed in terms of binary- either male or a female. The idea of heteronormativity is quite central to the identity formation of an individual particular a person's sexual identity. Existing norms of binary such as opposite sex or gender relation should be in terms of male or either female suppresses the formation of other identities. It discourages people to express their identity in a way they want. It affects mainly when people enter into a relationship. It reinforces people to express their sexual and gender identity in terms of an opposite category. For example, even if same sex enter into a relationship, they will be forced to take the role of one or another gender. In other words, even if they tend to break the gender norms persons having the relationship function in terms of opposite sex and not in the same sex relationship as in literal sense. Heteronormativty then disallow even who have the courage to break coventional role of gender to express themselves in any form of identity they want. As simple as this that they cannot say "I am no gender" but rather force to identity in any existing sexual orientation or gender.