In a wonderfully provocative article titled “Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence” (PDF), writer and poet Adrienne Rich argues, among other things, that the assumption of heterosexuality in the context of patriarchy alternatively erases and stigmatizes woman-to-woman bonds. Pop culture naturalizes the idea that women should turn to men, and not women, to reinforce their value. Though the title specifies lesbianism, she means intense and meaningful relationships between women more generally. In other words, an overbearing heterosexuality orients women toward men not just as ... Read More
