“Too Weird to Be Normal and Too Normal to Be Weird”: The Urgency of Intersectional Policy Reform for Marginalized Identities

This mixed-methods study examines how the intersections of race, sexuality, and neurodivergence shape personal identity and experiences of stigma in the United States, with a focus on the implications for public policy. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative stigma scores with qualitative interviews to reveal the discrimination faced by individuals with intersecting marginalized identities. The findings underscore the inadequacies of current anti-discrimination policies, particularly for individuals from sexual, neurodivergent, and racial minority backgrounds. Participants expressed frustration with policies that fail to address their complex lived realities, highlighting the need for policies that are inclusive, intersectional, and human-centered. The research emphasizes the necessity of systemic policy reforms that prioritize long-term, equitable solutions, actively engaging marginalized communities in policy development. It is crucial to recognize the fluidity of identity and ensure policies reflect the diversity of lived experiences. This study calls for the creation of policies that actively dismantle entrenched barriers and provide support for individuals navigating multiple marginalized identities.