Within queer theory, “normativity” has a confusing dual meaning: “normativity” refers both to what is common (normal) and to what is regarded as correct (normative). In queer theory, the mere societal expectation to be “normal” already hinders acceptance of identities outside these societal norms.65
Heteronormativity is thus meant to describe how heterosexuality functions as an implicit norm of sexuality: since the majority of people identify as heterosexual, they exert systemic pressure on everyone else. This pressure allegedly leads fewer people to come out as homosexual or bisexual in order to conform to so-called “heteronormative gender roles”.66 Analogously, the concept of cis-normativity posits enormous pressure from cis persons on trans persons. “Cis” refers to all whose gender identity matches their biological sex. Cis-normativity is an extended concept of heteronormativity.
The system that assigns people to a particular gender based on external biological characteristics is regarded as oppressive. To overcome it, new forms of language use are developed: for example, breastfeeding mothers are to become breastfeeding persons to accommodate trans individuals.67
So-called “gendering” is also intended to overcome cis-normativity, as all conceivable gender identities are to be marked with gender stars and glottal stops.68 The so-called “gender-inclusive language” is meant to serve the visibility of marginalised, queer identities (see Discourse).69