When Heterosexism Strikes Lyrics - Singles - Romanovsky And Phillips

(This was written after reading an article by Joseph Neisen in 

the Fall 1990 issue of OUT/LOOK, titled "Heterosexism or 

Homophobia? The Power of the Language We Use." He writes, 

"Heterosexism... identifies the true origin of the prejudice... 

and concentrates on the real problem - discrimination against gay 

men and lesbians... use of heterosexism leads the way from 

victimization to survival.") 

You're applying for a job 

So you're filling out a form 

And for all intents and purposes 

You fit into the norm 

Until it says to list your next of kin 

But there's no box to fit you in 

Cause the one you love 

The one who shares your life 

Is not your husband or your wife 

Oh no! 

Heterosexism strikes again 

So use the power of the pen 

To draw a box of your own and then 

Label it however you like: 

Lover, spouse or partner-in-life 

That's one way you can fight 

When heterosexism strikes 

Michael served his country well 

When he went to fight the war 

And each letter from his lover 

He locked safely in a drawer 

Until a witch hunt of McCarthy style 

Demanded he be put on trial 

They said his love, his sexuality 

Threatened national security 

Oh no! 

Heterosexism knocks you down 

But pick yourself up off the ground 

And challenge them to a second round 

Get a lawyer, file a report 

Drag their asses back into court 

That's one way you can fight 

When heterosexism strikes 

Don't let them break you, or make you miserable 

Don't let them take you, and make you invisible 

We're here, we're queer, that's a natural fact 

When heterosexism strikes, strike back! 

Sharon and her lover Sue 

Danced and dined by candlelight 

They were one of many couples getting intimate that night 

Until the waiter asked them both to leave 

And they looked at him in disbelief 

As he ended their romantic night of bliss 

Because they'd had the nerve to kiss 

Oh no! 

Heterosexism strikes again 

But you've got rights you must defend 

So get together a group of your gayest friends 

Go back to the scene of the crime 

Hug and kiss and have a good time 

That's one way you can fight 

When heterosexism strikes 

Heterosexism on the loose 

But you don't have to take abuse 

No! Now's the time we can put to use 

The righteous anger we feel 

The love we're taught to conceal 

We've got to stand up and fight 

When heterosexism strikes