the assumption that everyone is heterosexual, and that heterosexuality is the ‘default’ or ‘norm’; often with the belief that heterosexuality is the superior. It also possesses the attitude that only masculine men and feminine women are straight; and that heterosexual relationships may be the only ones deserving of access to institutions like marriage, law, etc.

Heteronormativity also refers to the ascribed gender roles placed on men and women in a society, and the expectation that men and women should, ideally, conform to them, particularly when it comes to relationships.

Heternormative roles may be place onto individuals in Queer relationships, such as viewing same-gender couples of consisting of a “feminine” and “masculine” one, where one individual – regardless of their sex assigned at birth or gender identity – takes on the “woman’s role” and one takes on the “man’s role”.