Put simply, compulsory heterosexuality is the theory that heterosexuality is enforced by patriarchy. Often shortened to ‘comphet’, the term is frequently used in online queer discussion spaces. ‘Compulsory heterosexuality’ originates from the 1980 essay Compulsory Heterosexuality and The Lesbian Existence by Adrienne Rich. 

As we all live under patriarchy, and compulsory heterosexuality is part of patriarchy, it is something we are all subjected to, straight women included.

By Elio Wilder (they/them)