Sexual Violence in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, or Queer (LGBTIQ) Communities

Individuals who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, or Queer* (LGBTIQ) often experience intense discrimination based on their sexuality or gender identity. Institutions and establishments in our society categorize and label human experience in ways that fail to recognize those with sexualities and gender identities outside of the confines of heterosexuality and gender as based on biological sex. These current definitions of human sexuality and gender identity limit our understanding of the LGBTIQ communities. Recognizing that no grouping of letters, LGBTIQ or otherwise, could fully grasp the continuum of sexuality and gender identity, the select resources and research in this special collection illustrates the LGBTIQ communities’ experiences with sexual violence within the US. Resources especially relevant to these individuals, as well as straight allies and professionals, address the issue of sexual violence in LGBTIQ communities, relationships, and the impact on society.