To answer this question, it is important to understand what constitutes heteronormativity and how it manifests itself in society. Heteronormativity refers to the idea that heterosexuality is the norm or standard for sexual orientation and behavior. This means that anything outside of heterosexuality, such as homosexuality or bisexuality, is considered deviant or abnormal. As a result, people who identify as members of these groups often face discrimination, stigmatization, and marginalization in various aspects of their lives.
One way that heteronormative media can contribute to internalized societal bias among sexual minorities is through the lack of representation. Traditional forms of media, such as movies, television shows, and magazines, rarely portray characters who are openly gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. When they do appear, they are often stereotyped or one-dimensional.
Gay men may be portrayed as effeminate and promiscuous while lesbians may be depicted as butch and aggressive. Transgender individuals may be shown as exotic or comedic figures. The absence of positive representations can lead to feelings of alienation and isolation among sexual minorities.
Another way that media contributes to biases is through the emphasis placed on heterosexual relationships. Romantic plotlines are common in movies and TV shows, and most of them involve two opposite-sex characters falling in love. This reinforces the idea that heterosexuality is normal and desirable. Seeing this repeated over time can make it seem like there is something wrong with being attracted to someone of the same sex. It can also create pressure to conform to heterosexual norms in order to fit into society.
Media can perpetuate harmful gender roles and expectations. Characters who are feminine or masculine are typically depicted as heterosexual, which implies that these traits are only appropriate for people who identify as male or female. This can cause confusion and anxiety for those who do not feel comfortable with their assigned gender identity.
Romantic stories often focus on physical attraction between a man and a woman, creating an unrealistic standard for what constitutes "beauty."
Not all media is inherently bad. There are some examples of media that feature diverse characters and celebrate non-traditional relationships.
The television show "Orange Is the New Black" includes several LGBTQ+ characters, including trans women and non-binary individuals. These types of programs can help to challenge societal norms and promote acceptance.
Repeated exposure to heteronormative media can contribute to internalized societal bias among sexual minorities by limiting representation, reinforcing harmful gender roles, and promoting stereotypes. While there are positive examples of media that challenge these biases, the prevalence of traditional forms of entertainment creates a difficult environment for anyone who does not fit into the dominant narrative.