12/07/2023
Did you know that people who identify as neurodiverse are more likely to be q***r?
According to the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center, “Evidence suggests that neurodiverse people, particularly those on the autism spectrum, are more likely to be gender diverse and have a le***an, gay, bis*xual, q***r, or as*xual s*xual orientation, compared to neurotypical people. The reasons why are not well understood. One possibility is that neurodiverse people
tend to be less aware of, or less susceptible to, societal pressures and gender norms; therefore, they can express their gender identity or s*xual orientation without concerns of being judged or fitting into certain roles."
Sometimes called the double-minority effect, people who are neurodivergent and identify as bis*xual+ or other labels under the q***r umbrella may face even greater challenges when it comes to healthcare and mental health, societal acceptance, and more.
Understanding the intersections of these identities is critical to being able to get the right support. Neurodivergent bis*xual+ people (and all q***r neurodivergent folks) have distinct lived experiences and challenges, and there is no cookie cutter solution so it is important to find resources and healthcare practitioners and specialists that will support you. As an ally, it's also important to use respectful language, be inclusive, and think about any ablelism you may be projecting.
For more resources check out:
⭐The Trevor Project's Guide to Supporting LGBTQ Young People with Disabilities
⭐The National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center's
paper on "Neurodiversity & Gender-Diverse Youth:
An Affirming Approach to Care 2020"
⭐https://neuroq***r.com/
⭐https://neurodivergentinsights.com/resources
Sources: The Trevor Project, University of Cambridge, Autism Research Journal (Stokes 2018), National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center, The Brain Charity
***r *xual *xualplus
