What Is “Monosexism”?
Pronunciation: /ˈmɒn.oʊˌsɛk.sɪ.zəm/
Part of Speech: Noun
Grammatical Formation:
- Prefix: “mono-” (one)
- Root: “sex” (from sexuality)
- Suffix: “-ism” (ideology or belief system)
- Used as a singular, uncountable noun: Monosexism is still present in both straight and queer spaces.
Definition:
Monosexism is the belief or assumption that people are—or should be—sexually or romantically attracted to only one gender. It marginalizes and invalidates non-monosexual identities such as bisexual, pansexual, and queer orientations.
Synonyms:
monosexual bias, bisexual erasure, non-monosexual discrimination
Antonyms:
bisexual-affirming, inclusive, sexuality-diverse, queer-affirming
Related Terms:
biphobia, heterosexism, pansexuality, bisexuality, queer, sexual orientation bias
Explained in Simple Sentences:
- Monosexism is the idea that it’s normal to love or be attracted to just one gender.
- It can cause bisexual or pansexual people to feel excluded or misunderstood.
- Some people may not even realize they are being monosexist when they say things like “just pick a side.”
Common Collocations:
- internalized monosexism
- monosexist assumptions
- challenge monosexism
- monosexism in the LGBTQ+ community
- monosexist culture
Sample Sentences:
- Monosexism makes it harder for bisexual people to feel accepted.
- The media often shows monosexist bias by ignoring bisexual characters.
- Even some gay spaces can have monosexism, excluding bi and pan people.
- We need to recognize and challenge monosexist attitudes.
- Internalized monosexism can make someone feel their identity isn’t valid.
Idiomatic and Cultural Usage:
- “Erase bisexuality through monosexism” – implies that bisexual people are often ignored or simplified into being gay or straight.
- “Monosexist lens” – viewing all attraction as being toward only one gender.
- “Break the cycle of monosexism” – calls for more inclusive and representative thinking.
Does “Monosexism” Have Any Relationship to Sexuality?
✅ Yes. Definitely.
Monosexism is directly related to sexuality. It involves systemic and personal biases that affect those who are attracted to more than one gender. It is a form of sexual orientation discrimination, often overlapping with biphobia or pan-erasure.