Meaning

(neologism) Disillusionment with heterosexuality, typically expressed in an ironic, performative manner and grounded in an essentialist or deterministic view of gender relations..

Example Sentences

What I now see is that Nelson’s caveat is typical of heteropessimism, a mode of feeling with a long history, and which is particularly palpable in the present. Heteropessimism consists of performative disaffiliations with heterosexuality, usually expressed in the form of regret, embarrassment, or hopelessness about straight experience. […] “Heterosexuality is a prison!” a chorus declared, vocalizing one of heteropessimism’s central maxims.

Furthermore, this often leads to instances where monogamy itself is looked down upon as being too conservative, a sign of pathological jealousy, and so—clear signs that polyamory is often just another manifestation of heteropessimism.

Through a queer lens, heteroresignation or heteropessimism appears to be a rite of passage for straight women.

I just don't find resigned heteropessimism soothing anymore. Isn't so much of our frustration rooted in the feeling that things don't have to be this way? I don't want to recite the same story about preordained gender relations just so I can be pissed off about them. I want them to change.

Synonyms for heteropessimism

When Should You Use Heteropessimism?

Use heteropessimism when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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