Heteronormativity between construction and reproduction

The concept of heteronormativity refers to a supposed interdependence between sex, gender and sexuality and is based on a rigidly binary conception of genders and on the naturalisation of heterosexual desire. Non-heterosexual expressions of desire (homo- and bisexuality, transgender, inter-, asexuality etc.) are not therefore only considered as a deviation from the heterosexual norm, but they are also to be regulated in that they are always seen in relation to the heterosexual norm: indeed, there is no homo-, bi-, trans- or inter- sexuality without reference to heterosexuality and gender as a binary category The concept of heteronormativity, nevertheless, does not only concern the erotic and intimate dimension of heterosexuality, but also describes heterosexuality as a structure of social and cultural power, to be understood as a device that contributes to defining the relationships of gender in hierarchical terms even in contexts not characterised at a sexual level.