Stigma, Tolerance, and Acceptance in the Lives of Sexual and Gender Minority Nebraskans

Abstract

abstract:Experiences of stigma and acceptance profoundly affect the lives of sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals and are often dependent on context, such as geographic location. Through interviews with twenty sexual and gender minority individuals living in Nebraska, this study aimed to explore participants' experiences of rejection and acceptance in different spheres to better understand how stigma operates. Thematic analysis revealed primary themes of Stigma and Discrimination and Signs of Support. However, reports of stigma and acceptance were often complex and intertwined. For example, participants described that receiving support from others categorized as merely "tolerant" is positive, given their expectations of rejection when living in a politically conservative state. These findings offer a contextualized understanding of how stigma and support affect SGM individuals at individual, interpersonal, community, and political levels in an underserved state.