ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the experiences of discrimination as reported by 18 participants who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer/Questioning (LGBTIQ), during semi-structured, co-constructed interviews. It provides the state of this stigmatised identity in the Australian setting and offers the perceived triggering factors for the discriminatory behaviour experienced. The chapter analyses qualitative data discursively on Perceived Discrimination from people identifying as LGBTIQ in Brisbane, Australia. It shows that discrimination is mainly triggered by a perceived transgression of the normalised standards of people’s behaviour, movements, and appearance in a heterosexist society. Discrimination against LGBTIQ people differs from discrimination against other groups in two important points. First it can be internal, in the sense that it can be performed by family members and from a young age; and second, it is less sanctioned in contemporary mainstream society than other forms of discrimination.
