CARIMAC Times 2016: The JREAM Edition Journalists Reviving Awareness of what Matters | Page 19

Dr. Annecka Marshall
Photo by Tori Haber

As obtains in organised societies, there are
consequences for breaking the rule of law.
Dr. Marshall said it is accepted that students
who are perceived to be homosexual do not
conform to heteronormativity — the belief
that heterosexuality is not only normal but is
the preferred sexual orientation. Therefore,
sexual activity should only be between a man
and a woman, and never two people of the same
sex; opposite sexes complement each other.
Heterosexuality as normative, also calls for
men and women to be cisgendered — that is,
their gender identity [masculine or feminine]
should correspond with their biological sex
[having a penis or vagina]. Those students who

identify as heterosexual, and by extension are
cisgendered, assume the role of enforcers of
the unwritten rule.
“The implication is if they don’t do this [conform]
then other students who are heterosexual have
a right to attack them. ‘You have bypassed the
unwritten rule. You shouldn’t be here. You are
invading us. You are upsetting us.’ ”
Bullying on the basis of perceived sexual
orientation can take several forms. It may
manifest as sexual, psychological or physical
violence. However, as Dr. Marshall explained,
all three forms exist because of stereotypes that

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