Heteronormativity:

Heteronormativity:

• Asserts two genders, two sexes, and heterosexuality as norm
• Structurally enforced and reinforced by culture
• Heavily veiled (mystified) as nature to hide its social construct
• Many have explored its relationship to homophobia and sexism

The Question

• How do heteronormative values in society affect the roles within a monogamous lesbian relationship, if at all?

Meet The Participants: A1&2, B1&2, C1&2

• Lesbians
• Between ages 30-55
• Monogamous relationship
• Willing to talk to me

Results

• Every participant identified as female, C2 said woman.
• Every couple described role as equal with minor distinctions based on gendered preference.
• All participants but A1 reported negative experiences with homophobia.

4. Every participant reported negative experiences with sexism.

5. Couples A and B make the decision to act straight in public at times.

6. Couple C - "I'm one of their moms...I tend to lead with that"

7. All couples follow general PDA courtesy.

8. All couples expressed internalizing behaviors in childhood resulting from negative culture influence.

Findings

But I asked the wrong question...