[DrPhil]

I don't know the sexual orientation of the GCers in this thread, but along the lines of what Jen said:

Heterocentrism allows heterosexuals to nonchalantly say "I don't care...people need to stop announcing" OR "they need to just 'come out of the closet'...hurry up."

Power groups like heterosexuals always feel the need to weigh-in and "give permission" as though homosexuals are waiting for heterosexuals' seal of approval.

In response to ASTAlumna06's post: Arguably, normal everyday people make an "announcement" every time we use gendered language when talking about dating/relationships and when we do things like go out in public with people we date. That doesn't automatically equate to our sexual orientation(s) but it gives people an idea even if we are being dishonest and not forthcoming. I've told this story before on GC but I've had people get uncomfortable, annoyed, and even angry at me because I didn't announce the gender of my Significant Other (I usually use language like "Significant Other" and "Partner"). There are people who obviously breathed a sigh of relief (and told me they now feel more comfortable) when they met my Significant Other and realize it is a biological-male and gender-man. I wanted to cuss these homophobic people out but these are typically semi-professional environments. Darn.