The term “straight” is rooted in homophobia. Take a moment and think about the term straight. It is vital to explore what it means to not be straight (in terms of the definition of the word, not one’s sexuality). When asked, what is the opposite of straight, what words come to your mind?
Here are some words: winding, zigzag, crooked, askew, untidy, messy, indirect, evasive, irrational, illogical and much more.
Now holding words that are opposite, can you see how the majority would favor straight over the antonyms of straight?
Now, let us get out of the habit of saying straight and start using the correct term: heterosexual.
Heterosexual means having a sexual attraction to someone whose identity and/or gender differs from yours.
Making this change is the start for the shift in our own internalized homophobia and creates affirming and safer spaces for people whose sexualities are not heterosexual.
Let us stop engaging in homophobia and creating inferior identities.
By Van Ethan Levy