Heterosexuality, Gender, and Heterosexism/Homophobia

T he goal we are moving toward is an understanding of the psychological experience of bisexual, gay, and lesbian people. In keeping with the contextual emphasis of the first chapter, it is paramount that we recognize that no aspect of that experience occurs in a vacuum. On the contrary, the nature of LGB experience is thoroughly shaped by the conditions that surround homophilic individuals and their communities. In particular, the psychological reality of each individual who identifies as lesbian, gay, or bisexual is unavoidably infused with attitudes that permeate society.