Introduction

In this chapter, I argue that we must move away from the monolithic category of “LGBTQ” experiences to a more nuanced investigation. In particular, I contend that we must build separate but interconnected discussions about the experiences of lesbian women, gay men, bisexual women, bisexual men, trans women, trans men, non-binary/genderqueer individuals, queer women, and queer men to best understand LGBTQ stigma and negativity. In addition, I suggest that a norm-centered intersectional examination of hetero-cis-normativity is integral to understanding LGBTQ stigma. An outline of the book is then provided. Finally, the goals of this text are listed as: (1) to introduce a theory about stigma that is testable and grounded in previous research (Norm-Centered Sigma Theory – NCST), (2) to highlight the significance of hetero-cis-normativity and intersectionality in understanding LGBTQ stigmatization (stigmatizer lens) and the stigmatizing experiences of LGBTQ people (stigmatized lens), and (3) to continue to stress the importance of separate but interconnected discussions about the experiences of LGBTQ people to uncover both similarities and differences across their experiences.