GS.19: Deep Dive – The Terms “Heterosexual” and “Homosexual” are Imperfect Language with Dubious, Unscientific Origins

Approximate reading time: 9 minutes

In the late 19th century, the terms “heterosexual” and “homosexual” were introduced to describe people’s sexual orientations. These words were not based on scientific research, but were created to categorize people into distinct groups. The inventor of these terms, Karl Maria Kertbeny, aimed to advocate for the decriminalisation of homosexuality by creating a language that could describe different sexual attractions (Ambrosino, 2017).

Initially, “heterosexual” had a negative connotation. For example, the 1901 Dorland’s Medical Dictionary defined heterosexuality as an “abnormal or perverted appetite toward the opposite sex” (Ambrosino, 2017). It wasn’t until 1934 that the meaning of heterosexuality shifted to what we recognise today: a natural attraction to the opposite sex. This change reflects how societal attitudes towards sexuality can evolve over time.

The shift in the understanding of these terms highlights the power of language in shaping societal norms and attitudes. Richard von Krafft-Ebing, a psychiatrist, played a significant role in changing the perception of heterosexuality. In his work, Psychopathia Sexualis, Krafft-Ebing used “heterosexual” to describe the “normal” sexual desire, contrasting it with what he considered sexual “perversions” (Ambrosino, 2017). This marked a significant shift in how sexuality was viewed, moving away from a focus on procreation to recognising sexual desire as a natural part of human experience.

The evolution of these terms shows that our understanding of sexuality is influenced by cultural, historical and social factors. It challenges the notion that sexual orientations are innate, unchanging traits. Instead, it suggests that the way we categorise and understand sexual behaviour is constructed by society and can change over time.

When we use the terms “homosexual” and “heterosexual”, we do so knowing we are using imperfect language with dubious, unscientific origins that are rarely used by the people they are meant to describe. These terms are “dead things” that walk among us negatively, influencing our efforts at scientific clarity. Nowadays, some people prefer to use “queer” and “straight” instead, but not everyone likes or agrees with these words.

This history is important to consider in discussions about sexuality today. It reminds us that the words we use to describe sexual orientation are not neutral, but carry the weight of historical attitudes and beliefs. Recognising the constructed nature of these terms can help us approach discussions about sexuality with more openness and awareness of their complexity.

Watch this video: Invention of Heterosexuality | Queer History (6 minutes)

“Invention of Heterosexuality | Queer History” video by Rogan Shannon is licensed under the Standard YouTube licence.