Stigma and Sexual Orientation: Understanding Prejudice against Lesbians, Gay Men and Bisexuals

Whether engendered by homophobia, heterosexism, or simply prejudice, violence and discrimination continue to persecute the gay community, persistent in the courtroom, on the streets, and in the voting booth. Through the 1990s, empirical research on this phenomenon has advanced at a rapid pace and the results of studies using more sophisticated theories and methods to study heterosexual responses to homosexuality have increasingly found their way into mainstream journals and books. Timely and accessible, Stigma and Sexual Orientation makes a significant contribution toward the deeper understanding of homophobia, in addition to providing much-needed insight into the issue of prejudice in general. Under the skillful editorship of Gregory M. Herek, discussions in this volume include:

• the nature of antigay prejudice, stereotypes, and behaviors

• the consequences of homophobia and related phenomena on the well-being of lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals

• the critical need for psychology and science to examine homophobia and related issues

Victimization of individuals in the gay community is testimony to the ugliness of societal prejudices and the constant stresses imposed by such biases. Stigma and Sexual Orientation closely examines issue complexities and equips the reader with insights necessary to better assist members of this population.

Academics, researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and students will find the volume a welcome and enlightening addition to the extant literature.