I've been reading this discussion with great interest, and I wonder whether part of the problem comes from different understandings of the word "sexuality". The OED (not that I generally want to use dictionaries as arbiters of how people should use their own language, but it's quite useful as a descriptive resource in this instance!) lists two relatively distinct meanings (actually three, but two of relevance here):
1. Sexual nature, instinct, or feelings; the possession or expression of these. 2. A person's sexual identity in relation to the gender to which he or she is typically attracted; the fact of being heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual; sexual orientation.
Your examples of straight people being "discriminated against or subjected to violence based on their sexuality" all seem to be examples of (real, serious) discrimination and/or violence associated with them as sexual beings, capable of forming or being coerced into sexual relationships, having sex, getting pregnant etc. - in other words, definition 1 of "sexuality". However, other people (including myself, and perhaps your Mastodon admin) seem to be reading you as referring to definition 2 of "sexuality", which is probably more salient during Pride month and in the context of people discussing homophobic discrimination and violence. That is, you give the impression of saying you think straight people are being discriminated against or attacked specifically because they are straight i.e. the "heterophobia" you yourself dismiss as a "made-up distraction" at the start of your post.
Miscellaneous. Eclectic. Random. Perhaps markedly literate, or at least suffering from the compulsion to read any text that presents itself, including cereal boxes.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-08-03 11:01 am (UTC)1. Sexual nature, instinct, or feelings; the possession or expression of these.
2. A person's sexual identity in relation to the gender to which he or she is typically attracted; the fact of being heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual; sexual orientation.
Your examples of straight people being "discriminated against or subjected to violence based on their sexuality" all seem to be examples of (real, serious) discrimination and/or violence associated with them as sexual beings, capable of forming or being coerced into sexual relationships, having sex, getting pregnant etc. - in other words, definition 1 of "sexuality". However, other people (including myself, and perhaps your Mastodon admin) seem to be reading you as referring to definition 2 of "sexuality", which is probably more salient during Pride month and in the context of people discussing homophobic discrimination and violence. That is, you give the impression of saying you think straight people are being discriminated against or attacked specifically because they are straight i.e. the "heterophobia" you yourself dismiss as a "made-up distraction" at the start of your post.