Heterosexual - meaning and definition
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Definition
Describes a person who is mainly or only attracted to people of a different gender, most often used for men attracted to women and women attracted to men.
At a glance
- Straight is the everyday word for heterosexual.
- The most commonly reported orientation in most surveys.
- Often treated as the default, which is the core of the idea of heteronormativity.
- Some mostly straight people use heteroflexible to describe small exceptions.
In detail
Heterosexual, or straight, is the most commonly reported sexual orientation in most surveys. Because it is often treated as the default, heterosexual people rarely have to explain or disclose their orientation, which is one reason the idea of heteronormativity exists.
Some people who mostly identify as straight describe small exceptions or occasional curiosity, and may use words such as heteroflexible. As with every orientation, the label is chosen by the person themselves.
In a sentence
- He's straight, and he was the first to sign up when the team organised a Pride fundraiser.
- The form only listed heterosexual as an option, so we asked them to add more choices.
Where the word comes from
Heterosexual was coined in the late 1860s by the writer Karl-Maria Kertbeny, alongside homosexual, from Greek heteros (other, different). It entered English through medical writing around the end of the nineteenth century.
Not to be confused with
- Cisgender
Cisgender describes gender identity, not attraction; a person can be cisgender and any orientation.
Common questions
Is heterosexual the same as straight?
Yes. Straight is the everyday word and heterosexual is the more formal one. Both describe attraction mainly or only to people of a different gender.
Can a heterosexual person be an LGBTQ+ ally?
Yes. Many straight people support LGBTQ+ friends, family and colleagues. Allyship is shown through actions such as listening, challenging prejudice and backing equal rights.