1-800-Dial Heterosexism

Dial for Men has recently come out with a slew of products for the "manly man" and question whether you are "man enough" to handle their products? This type of sexist, gender stereotypical advertising is nothing new, but Dial has also added a taste of heterosexism to the mix.

Dial's MAGNETIC body wash product promises to enhance attraction through its pheromone infused formula. Not only will it get you clean but you will also be able to get your freak on with all the ladies in town!

According to the product label:

"You don’t need the help, but it doesn’t hurt to increase your odds. Dial® for Men Magnetic™ body wash is clean rinsing and moisture rich, so you get a great clean without drying your skin, and leaves you smelling so good women can’t help but notice."

I am certain Dial meant no harm through this campaign, they are targeting men through the very obvious marketing concept that 'sex sells' Regardless of what you make of their cheesy efforts to build their brand, there is no need for this subtle heterosexism. The majority of the population is straight but many men may be attracted to this product to court a female, male, or perhaps both sexes. Dial would have been better off using gender neutral language to make the product more palatable to all consumers. After all gay/bi men are attracted to those same manly pheromones that straight/bi women like in men.

If you are so inclined, Dial can be reached for feedback through Henkel North America through their customer service form.

Word of the Gay: "Sexualism"

"Sexualism" refers to discrimination on the basis of sexuality and operates under the premise that heterosexuality is a norm that all should conform to.

An Exercise in Gay Acceptance for Heterosexuals

This video is an exercise that was given at a seminar in how it feels to be isolated and discriminated against as a gay person. This video is an exercise to let straight people imagine what it would feel like if the world was gay, and heterosexuals considered deviant outcasts. It is eye opening video into heterosexual privilege and highly recommended!

The 2009 Anti-Heterosexism Conference

The 2009 Anti-Heterosexism Conference is open to everyone; including psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, social workers, educators, clergy, health care professionals, and others who provide services to, or care for, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. The goal of the conference is to explore and begin undoing the heterosexist attitudes that exist on personal, interpersonal, institutional and cultural levels. With information and strategies for building connection and community, health care professionals and educators can advocate for LGBT people and support them in leading successful, happy, and productive lives in the communities in which they work, live, and attend school.

CALL FOR WORKSHOP PRESENTATIONS:

Soulforce is seeking workshop presenters for Saturday, November 21, 2009. Presentations should cover one or more of the following topics:

* Understanding the Harm Caused By Heterosexism
* Best Practices for Undoing Heterosexism
* The Dangers of Reparative Therapy, Ex-Gay Ministries, and Efforts to Change Sexual Orientation
* History & Practices of Reparative Therapy and Ex-Gay Ministries
* Therapeutic Models for Helping LGBT People in Health and Mental Health Care
* The Connection Between Religion, Heterosexism, and Reparative Therapy
* Intersections Between Heterosexism, Racism, Sexism, Capitalism, etc.
* The Healthy Reconciliation of Sexuality and Spirituality
* Reflections on the Ex-Gay Experience
* Impacting the Media: Strategies for Sharing Your Story with Confidence
* Building Healthy Relationships After an Ex-Gay Experience
* Ethical Dilemmas Associated with Reparative Therapy & Ex-Gay Ministries
* Social Science Research on Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity
* LGBT Families and Parenting
* Nonviolent Activism and Advocacy Strategies
* Becoming a Powerful Ally

The conference will be held Nov 20-22 2009 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Head over to Soulforce to register or submit a proposal to present.

Happy Father's Day!

A shout out to all the Daddy's and Papa's out there! Happy Father's Day from Queers United. Challenging Heterosexism one day at a time!

Word of the Gay: "Heterocentrism"

"Heterocentrism" is the implicit assumption that everyone is heterosexual.

Open Forum: Does Gay Marriage Threaten Straight Identity?

In most progressive nations people support some form of legal recognition of same-sex relationships whether it be civil unions or domestic partnerships, but they outright reject the notion of providing marriage to gay and lesbian couples. Obviously something about granting marriage rights to same-sex couples threatens their world view.

Do self sufficient lesbians threaten the roles of the stereotypical "housewife" and the "man of the house" status. Does this whole notion of women's liberation in the sense that a woman need not be dependent on a man, not only threaten the mans macho self image, but also challenge the traditional "housewife" to reconsider her subservient role?

Do effeminate gay men represent a loss among straight men for their image of male supremacy and masculinity? Perhaps, marriage for these men would be an indicator of acceptance of them, and in order to preserve the "male image" femme men cannot be accepted or even tolerated under any circumstance.

Is there an irrational fear that children being raised by same-sex parents may grow up open-minded or even explorative of their own sexualities. The more homosexual people there are, the fear of a destruction of the human animal becomes a reality in the mind of our critics.

If gay marriage is legal, it will be on par with straight marriage and will be considered just another variation of a legal contract one can enter. Does the fact that one group can put down another help to empower this sort of straight pride and privilege that exists in our culture. Although never discussed and maybe entirely sub-conscious perhaps there is this feeling of being above gay people.

So what do you think, does queer sexuality/identity threaten heteronormative thinking and identity? Could this be one of the reasons for fierce opposition to granting marriage rights to same-sex couples?

Word of the Gay: "Heterosexism"

"Heterosexism" is when the automatic assumption is made that everyone is heterosexual and that male-female coupling is the norm. Common instances of heterosexism occur when people pre-suppose that one is married, has an opposite sex partner, and/or are interested in the opposite sex.