The concept behind the Invisible Knapsack was introduced to me in an article about the privileges that many White individuals enjoy written by Peggy McIntosh. I was struck by the idea that some members of society carry with them a "knapsack" of rights and privileges that they benefit from without even realizing that they have this position of power. I translated this idea to outline a heterosexual invisible knapsack of rights and privileges that may not be readily apparent.

1. I can walk down the street holding hands with my boy/girlfriend or spouse with a reasonable absence of fear of retaliation.

2. I can introduce my boy/girlfriend or spouse to parents and friends without fearing that they will object to or be disgusted by his/her gender.

3. I can look forward to finding a person with whom I share a life long love and have the option of having that bond legally recognized in marriage.

4. I can benefit from hundreds of legal and financial benefits that are offered only to a married couple.

5. I do not fear losing a job, a child, a friend, a family member, or my life due to my sexual orientation.

6. I do not expect to hear my sexual orientation used as an insult.

7. I do not expect to see my sexual orientation ridiculed on TV or in the movies.

8. I do not live in fear of someone finding out who or what gender I desire.

9. People do not fear being called or being accused of having my sexual orientation.

10. I do not speak for all those of my sexual orientation.

11. I do not expect to have my actions, beliefs, mistakes, etc. attributed to my sexual orientation.

12. My sexual orientation is not a subject of gossip.

13. I do not feel obligated to tell others of my sexual orientation.

14. I do not fear or am not discouraged from telling others my sexual orientation.

15. I am never told that I am loved, accepted, or tolerated "in spite of" my sexual orientation.

16. I can go to a school dance or function with my boy/girlfriend or spouse without special permission or fear of rejection due to his/her gender identity.

17. I can expect to see cards and gifts for couples that cater to my sexual orientation.

18. I do not expect my sexual orientation to be of any special significance.

19. People do not assume that I am trying to "convert" them to my sexuality.

20. People do not question my parenting ability due to my sexual orientation.

21. People do not assume that I am more likely to commit child abuse because of my sexual orientation.

22. People do not consider my sexual orientation to be "contagious."

23. I am statistically less likely to commit, attempt, or consider suicide and less likely to experience depression in my lifetime.

24. I can open a magazine and take a relationship quiz and expect to see the gender of myself and my boy/girlfriend or spouse.

25. I can watch a television show, watch a movie, or read a mainstream novel and see a relationship like mine.

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