Heteronormativity in the media

Since becoming very immersed in celebrity journalism and pop culture I have noticed how strong heteronormativity in the media still is.

The term "heteronormativity" describes the belief, that people are only heterosexual and can only be either male or female. Especially in the media, this phenomenon is very noticeable.

I've noticed this happening very strongly with the singer Harry Styles (One Direction). Since becoming famous, he has basically been linked to every women he has been in contact with, no matter what his comments on the matter were. The media assumes that he cannot be friends with a female, he can only be dating her, which has led to many "girlfriend rumors".
Only small parts of the media understand that a man can be friends with a lot of girls and even accept that he may not even be interested in them romantically.
Some fans also think he is dating his bandmate, but this belief is very unpopular amongst many girls and the media, simply because it's not normal to them and slims their chances of dating their favorite, even though the man himself has hinted to be something other than "straight" and was supposedly out as bisexual in middle school.


The article below shows the complete "dating history" until July 2014. Needless to say there would have to be some more added for it to be up to date now.



http://www.sugarscape.com/lads/news/a1055121/harry-styles-dating-history-the-good-the-bad-and-the-hendall-a-look-back-at-all-the-girls-hes-been-linked-with/


I think that it is wrong to assume, that someone, especially celebrities can only be heterosexual and can only be either male or female. In my opinion, mainstream media is one of the mayor outlets that can change our perspective of "normal" and celebrities - people who many look up to - can also stop this belief.