Meaning of heteropessimism | Babel Free

Definitions

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

neologism, uncountable

Examples

“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⟳.”

CEFR level