What is Heterosexual Privilege?

1. Living without ever having to think, face, confront, engage or cope with anything listed on this page. Some heterosexuals may choose to address these phenomena, but social and political forces do not require you to do so.
2. Marrying, which includes the following privileges:
   • public recognition and support for an intimate relationship (receiving cards or phone calls celebrating your commitments to a person; supporting activities and social expectations of longevity and stability for your committed relationships).
   • paid leave from your employment and condolences @n grieving the death of your partner/lover and other members of your "family"
   • inheriting from your spouse automatically under probate laws
   • sharing health, auto and homeowners' insurance policies at reduced rates
   • immediate access to your loved ones in case of accident or emergency
   • automatically owning property and other assets jointly
   • joint taxes- filing, rates, tax laws that favor married people
3. kissing, hugging and being affectionate in public without threat or punishment
4. talking about your relationship, vacations, family planning you and your partner are involved in
5. not questioning your normalcy
6. being employed as a teacher in pre-school through high school without fear of being fired because it is assumed you will harm or corrupt children
7. raising children without the fear of having them taken away from you because of your sexual orientation
8. traveling without fear of being harmed or killed because of your sexual orientation
9. living with your partner openly and without fear
10. dating the person of your choice in your teen years
11. receiving validation and support from your religious/spiritual community
12. receiving social acceptance from neighbors, colleagues, new friends

Other?  Add examples from your own observations.