Lesson 13 Gender and Activism

MODULE V
CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES IN GENDER AND SEXUALITY
LESSON 13 GENDER AND ACTIVISM
Objectives:
At the end of the topic you should be able to:

1. discuss heteronormativity and its manifestations; and
2. appreciate the contribution of activism in social change.
ENGAGE
a. Short video
b. Definition of terms
 Activism - collective efforts to shape and transform political, sociocultural, and

other environmental status quo.
 Participation – contributing in transforming social realities by engaging and taking part
in various aspects of an initiative or reform.
 Collaboration – working together towards a goal.
EXPLORE
Introduction
Our society is now advocating towards equal rights for everyone through the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which was drafted in 1948 by all countries who are
members of the United Nations. It acknowledges that everyone, including LGBT people, is equal
in dignity and in rights. Although most countries no longer punish or outlaw homosexuality,
there is still much to be done for the LGBT people to fully enjoy their human rights.
Understanding Heteronormativity
Heteronormativity means “of relating to, or based on the attitude that heterosexuality is
the only normal and natural expression of sexuality” (Merriam Webster Dictionary). Put more
simply, it is when we assume that everyone is heterosexual or straight and that it is the
standard for everyone.
With the heteronormative point of view, straight people are placed at a privileged group
by viewing them as the standard or normal. Anyone who does not adhere to that standard are
viewed as lesser, like women who love women (lesbians), men who love men (gays), people
who love men or women (bisexuals), people who feel that they do not belong to their biological
sex (transgender), and other people who reject the notion of gender binaries (male/female,
masculine/feminine).
Heteronormativity has been so ingrained in our social and political institution that it has
almost become invisible. Most people unknowingly subscribe to heteronormative standards
just because that is the way it has always been for them. Like assigning blue for boys and pink
for girls. But what happens when a boy wants pink toys? They are reprimanded and criticized in
a process called normalization.
This normalization limits a person’s choices and freedoms. For the LGBT, it means they
are marginalized, treated as inferior, discriminated on, branded as abnormal, and are treated as
second class citizens. This leads to homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, prejudice,
discrimination, violence, and other hostile acts towards the LGBT people.
One example of heteronormative violence is the murder of LGBT men and women
during the Nazi holocaust.
In present day, it means punishing LGBT children for expressing who they are or being
vocal about who they are attracted to. In the workplace, it could mean being fired or not being
promoted just because you are not straight. At home it could mean being disowned by our
family because you are LGBT or being bullied by your family because you are not masculine
enough or feminine enough. In politics, it manifests in policies denying LGBT their freedom
such as anti-sodomy laws in many countries where being LGBT is a crime punishable by
imprisonment or death. It could also mean the absence of laws that would let LGBT live a full
life like being able to marry the person they want to marry or enjoying the same rights and
privileges that straight families have.
Challenging heteronormativity through activism
Heteronormativity is a social construct and history has proven society’s changing

attitudes on homosexuality. History showed us the egalitarian acceptance of homosexuality in
the ancient hunter-gatherer civilizations, the violent erasure of the gender deviants, and
condemnation of homosexuality with the spread of Abrahamic Religion (Jews, Christians,
Muslims, and other religions who believe in one God; the God of Abraham).
LGBT activism have had various social movements to advocate for LGBT people’s equal
rights (2000s), liberation (1960s-1970s), and self-acceptance through the homophile movement
(1950s). These social movements engaged in political and social activism through street rallies,
pride marches, law lobbying, engaging the media, arts, research, and many other activities that
empower the LGBT community.
Dissent is so powerful that it can make significant changes in our society. Breaking the
culture of silence on the daily heteronormative violence that are committed and condoned by
society is the first step towards social change. We can start by refusing to participate in
heteronormative violence towards the LGBT and participating in various events for the LGBT
community.
 May 17 – International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia – IDAHOT

 May 31 – International Transgender Day of Visibility
 November 30 – Transgender Day of Remembrance
 June – June Pride Month
Key Points:
 Heteronormativity, as a social construct, can be undone through activism.

 Social change may not be something that happens right away, but decades of LGBT
struggle has proven that change can happen.
 You do not have to be an LGBT to fight for equal rights. You just have to be a human
being who believes in freedom and equality for all.
References:
Baker, M. (2011). What’s Wrong With Heteronormativity? Retrieved on February

23, 2019 at https://rewriting-the –rules-.com/gender/what’s-wrong-with-
Heteronormativity
Garcia, N. (2008). Philippine Gay Culture: Binabae to Bakla, Silahis to MSM.

University of the Philippines Press.
The New Encyclopedia of Icebreakers. (2004). John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Reproduced
By permission of Pfeiffer, an Imprint of Wiley. www.pfeiffer.com

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MODULE V

CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES IN GENDER AND SEXUALITY

LESSON 13 GENDER AND ACTIVISM

At the end of the topic you should be able to:

 Activism - collective efforts to shape and transform political, sociocultural, and

Challenging heteronormativity through activism

Heteronormativity is a social construct and history has proven society’s changing

 May 17 – International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia – IDAHOT

 Heteronormativity, as a social construct, can be undone through activism.

Baker, M. (2011). What’s Wrong With Heteronormativity? Retrieved on February

Garcia, N. (2008). Philippine Gay Culture: Binabae to Bakla, Silahis to MSM.

By permission of Pfeiffer, an Imprint of Wiley. www.pfeiffer.com

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