What is sexual orientation?

What is sexual orientation? A Google image search returned only gay and lesbian content as the top results. When sexual orientation comes up in casual conversation it most often refers to sexual minorities. And, in the case of Alberta's recent bill 44, which this entry is not about, it also refers to sexual minorities. The reason most people think this way is a result of heteronormativity whereby heterosexuality is normal, accepted, and expected.

Recently I had a discussion with a supervisor at work regarding my homosexuality, she felt I should downplay or hide it in professional settings. To clarify, I don't parade around the office wearing rainbows screaming I'm a homo. She feels that me being open about my sexual orientation makes some people uncomfortable, especially if I even mention being gay, having a partner, attending any gay related events, or even commenting on recent politics during casual discussion. She basically asked me to never speak about anything gay, it hurt!

I spent the next twenty minutes explaining to her that I refuse to deny, hide, or otherwise lie about my sexual orientation in order to comfort a bigot. I had defined how one's sexual orientation is a huge component of who they are which includes family structure, family relations, political views (if you're not apathetic), and possibly even where you go out on the weekend to play pool and have a beer. Here is where the "what is sexual orientation" further comes in. She said I talk too much about going to gay events, my boyfriend, and myself, all the while alluding that its me who makes people uncomfortable, not their ignorance and hate.

To her my sexual orientation makes people feel awkward. To her me talking about my life makes people feel awkward. What I have been thinking of since is how she feels sexual orientation makes people feel uncomfortable, but what she really meant by it is being gay makes people feel uncomfortable. Damn you heteronormativity, sexual orientation includes hetero's too! It's horrible that homophobes and heterosexist people can hide under the politically correct term sexual orientation to exclude homosexuals.

Political correctness is defined as "avoidance of expressions or actions that can be perceived to exclude or marginalize or insult people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against" (Princeton). Yet here is an example where it does the opposite of its ideal.

“Political correctness does not legislate tolerance; it only organizes hatred” -- Jacques Barzun