Heterosexuality is romantic attraction, sexual attraction or sexual behavior between persons of opposite sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, heterosexuality is "an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions" to persons of the opposite sex; it "also refers to a person's sense of identity based on those attractions, related behaviors, and membership in a community of others who share those attractions."
Heterosexuality is one of the three main classifications of sexual orientation along with bisexuality and homosexuality, which are each parts of the heterosexual–homosexual continuum. However, some authorities feel that limiting sexual classification to a linear representation does not reflect the width or depth of sexual attraction and behaviour.
The term heterosexual or heterosexuality is usually applied to humans, but heterosexual behavior is observed in all mammals and in other non-human animals.
Flag[]
There isn't a universally recognized or widely used flag specifically representing heterosexuality. Flags representing sexual orientations, such as the rainbow flag for LGBTQ+ pride, are often created to highlight marginalized or underrepresented groups. Heterosexuality, being the societal norm and majority orientation, has not typically necessitated the creation of a specific flag to represent it. Therefore, there is no widely attributed creator or official design for a heterosexual flag.
For example, a social media trend called "super straight" emerged on TikTok on 21 February and later spread to other websites like 4chan, Reddit and Twitter. Supporters stated that "super straight" was a new sexuality describing heterosexuals who would never have a sexual relationship with transgender people. Supporters of the trend created an orange and black flag, which has been said to be meant to imitate PornHub's logo. Variants of the flag included the hashtag "#SuperStraight" or intertwined male and female symbols.
History[]
While heterosexual relationships have been a fundamental aspect of human existence, the explicit recognition and study of heterosexuality as a distinct sexual orientation emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Prior to the modern understanding of sexual orientations, societal norms often assumed heterosexuality as the default and expected form of sexual attraction. However, it wasn't until the late 19th century that the term "heterosexual" was coined by Karl Maria Kertbeny, a Hungarian writer and advocate for sexual reform. Kertbeny used the term to differentiate opposite-sex attraction from same-sex attraction, which he referred to as "homosexual."
Throughout the 20th century, the concept of heterosexuality gained increasing recognition and became a subject of scientific and social study. Sigmund Freud, the renowned psychoanalyst, explored the topic of heterosexual development within his theories of human psychology and sexuality. His work, along with the emerging fields of sexology and psychology, contributed to the growing understanding and acceptance of heterosexuality as a natural sexual orientation.
In the mid-20th century, the heterosexual norm became further entrenched in societal attitudes and cultural representations. Heterosexual relationships were often depicted as the idealized and expected form of partnership in many societies. This norm was reinforced by religious, legal, and social institutions that promoted and protected heterosexual unions and procreation.
Social issues[]
Heterosexual privilege[]
The concept of heterosexual privilege, which highlights the advantages and social privileges afforded to individuals in heterosexual relationships, has sparked discussions and controversies. Some individuals may deny or downplay the existence of heterosexual privilege, while others argue for recognizing and addressing systemic inequalities.
Heteronormativity in education[]
Heteronormativity in educational institutions has been a subject of controversy. Critics argue that heteronormative curricula and policies exclude or marginalize LGBTQ+ students and fail to provide inclusive and comprehensive sex education that covers diverse sexual orientations.
Etymology[]
The term "heterosexual" was coined by the Hungarian writer Karl Maria Kertbeny. He is credited with introducing the term in the mid-19th century. Kertbeny is also known for his advocacy of gay rights and his efforts to decriminalize homosexuality.
The term "heterosexual" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "hetero," (έτερος) meaning "other" or "different," and "sexual," pertaining to sex or sexuality. The prefix "hetero-" is used to indicate a difference or distinction, while "sexual" refers to sexual attraction or behavior. Thus, the word "heterosexual" refers to individuals who are attracted to people of a different sex or gender. It was first used in the late 19th century, and its etymology reflects the concept of sexual orientation involving attraction to the opposite sex.
External links[]
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