Intimate partner violence, or domestic violence, has been considered a social problem since the 1970s, but it was not until 2010 that the CDC conducted their first study specifically about IPV. Likewise, the “gay rights” movement has been growing since the 1970s, and has recently made significant progress. But sociology’s role in both these movements has been lacking; research has followed the status quo of heteronormativity. Unfortunately, in society entrenched in heterosexism and genderism, adhering to the status quo is a passive acceptance of and perpetuation of inequality. We are like fish in water, wherein the water are social constructs of gender and social norms of sexuality. But it is the sociologist’s job to question assumptions that others do not, to put oneself in another’s shoes, and ask the hard questions.  When LGBTQ+ survivors of IPV are finally studied alongside straight, cisgender individuals, the opportunity for knowledge, for awareness, and healing will increase for everyone.