Word: Hegemonic

Hegemonic: The predominant influence, as of a state, region, or group, over another or others.

Butler says, "...but that hegemonic heterosexuality is itself a constant and repeated effort to imitate its own idealizations." I take this to mean that heterosexuality is defined by the world around us and what influences us the most. The most influential element is the mass media and the culture industry. As everything evolves with the culture the idealizations of heterosexuality also evolve. I would say though that the binary of hetero/homosexuality still dominate todays culture. Unfortunately sexuality and gender are viewed as binaries rather than the continuum that would include all people rather than exclude others. Also the continuum would give everyone more freedom of expression rather than trying to fit into two small boxes of what you are or you are not.