Lemmey and Miller challenge the dominant trend in LGBTQ+ history to focus solely on heroes and martyrs. By examining figures like Roy Cohn, a closeted gay lawyer who spearheaded McCarthyist witch hunts, the book reveals the inherent flaws in seeking a singular narrative of "good" representation. "Bad Gays" argues that focusing only on positive portrayals ultimately limits our understanding of the multifaceted nature of queer history and identity.

Through figures like Emperor Hadrian, whose passionate love affair with Antinous deeply shaped Roman culture, the book demonstrates how the very concept of "homosexuality" as a distinct identity is a relatively modern invention. Examining how same-sex desire was perceived and lived in different times and cultures reveals the evolution of social constructs around sexuality and challenges the notion of a fixed and universal gay identity.

By exploring the lives of individuals like Ronnie Kray, a notorious East End gangster, "Bad Gays" pushes readers to look beyond simplistic labels and engage with the complexities of individual stories. The authors argue that true solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond requires acknowledging the full spectrum of human experience, including its darker sides, and finding common ground through shared struggles against oppression and marginalization.