Within the past, the concept of sexuality was strongly constrained by heteronormativity in constructing the position of heterosexuality as a normal sexual identity. According to Professor Herek, the idea of heteronormativity is considered as a fundamental prejudice and oppression based on heterosexism, homophobia, and sexism. These frameworks enforce a dominant status towards the compulsory heterosexuality and perpetuate sexual stigmas to any non-heterosexuals (Pharr, 1997). Heteronormativity is socially rooted in Rubin’s charmed circle of sexuality and sexual hierarchy. The charmed circle demonstrates a moral and immoral response to sexuality. During the era of the closet, homosexuality is considered morally unacceptable. …show more content…
It helped homosexual individuals come together, in a public manner to express their rights. This period further raised many sexual liberation movements towards the resurgence of homosexuality out of the closet. The gay liberation movement intensified the social and political changes toward helping non-heterosexual groups to gain equality within the mainstream society. Since the 1970s, the gay liberation significantly changed the politics of sexual landscape. This includes winning nearly half the American states repeal of sodomy laws, lifting the recognition of non-heterosexual visibility, and removing homosexuality from the list of mental illness (Garner,