‘—

Assignment 06

In “Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence,” Adrienne Rich argues that heterosexuality is institutionalized, or established in practice and customs. Rich begins her argument by drawing examples from Kathleen Gough’s list of male characteristics that describe how men take advantage of and stifle women of their true existence. Some examples listed are more physical: including robbing, rape, and incest; while other examples are more psychological: including making sure they are always at the lower end of the social order. Both however are common and can be seen prevalent in history and currently in present-day.

Another example of how heterosexuality is institutionalized are the sexual pressures created by men in the workplace. Rich describes the struggle for all women, heterosexual or not, placed by males in the place of work. However, there is another layer of opposition for women that identify as lesbian because they are forced to be flirtatious to a gender they are not attracted to because of their economic disadvantage. This dilemma lies in this specific economy structure that sees a greater work value in men than women. As a result, women must place their personal sexual preferences aside as a means of survival.

Marriage is another institution that does not benefit lesbians. Those who leave their husbands for another woman are more looked down upon than those who leave their husbands for another man. It is accustomed for many to believe that women should want to have intercourse by a man and should want to create a family. For those who choose otherwise, they are considered an outcast and are not thinking of their future in a successful way. Doctors have even taken the situation as far as providing “services” to “cure” this issue. Rich mentions the story of a lesbian woman who wanted to leave her husband and was tricked into forcible rape under the assumption she was getting help. This method was approved and organized by a professional doctor.

Rich argues these issues are more detrimental than many portray because it prevents women from being united and throws away this sense of “togetherness” that we, as women, are born with.