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