Beyond HeteronormativityA Path to Queer Empowerment

Heteronormativity is the attitude that heterosexuality is the only normal and natural expression of sexuality, and follows the viewpoint that cisgender people (meaning those whose gender identity corresponds with their at birth-assigned sex) in opposite-sex relationships are the socially-constructed “standard” and “acceptable” kind

Heteronormative societal assumptions and influences can be seen everywhere from traditional views on marriages, religion, cinema and Western & international media, including the news, commercials and advertisements. This may be one of reasons why we live in such a heteronormative society that is harmful and inherently discriminatory to the LGBTQ+ community as it makes one feel like they don’t belong in what society deems to be acceptable.

We want to use the power of storytelling to tackle this subject and evoke real change. By amplifying the voices of those who identify as queer, we believe we can move beyond heteronormativity and strive toward a society that does not shame or marginalize those who do not fit this narrow framework.

We need your help to write compelling screenplays that imagine a future beyond heteronormativity, where we have overcome societal imposed queer shame: a new world of allyship, diversity, and inclusion.