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This Pride month, our community reflects on embracing both neurodivergence and queerness
MMS Staff
21 Jun 2024
3-min read
Every June, Pride Month celebrates the diversity and strength of the LGBTQIA+ community.
But within this collective coming together, it's important to remember that Pride could mean different things for different people.
The essence of Pride is the diverse voices and lived experiences it represents and stands by, particularly for those at the intersections of multiple identities — such as neurodivergence, disability and LGBTQIA+.
To fully honour the spirit of Pride, we need to embrace an intersectional approach that acknowledges and addresses the varied and complex realities of the entire community.
And so we asked our community to share what Pride means to them, as neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ folx.
Here’s what #MuchMuchSays:
Embracing my neurodivergence and queerness. Unmasking with people who feel like home! 💖 Saving my spoons by not engaging with people who are judgy, ableist or dull my sparkle ✨ - @aditigangrade_
Learning how both these parts of me overlap and create an unique experience for me. Finding a community with more neuro-queer folx. Trying to understand ways to better support myself in allistic spaces. - @usri.be_ing
In theory, I 💯 support everything Pride stands for. I’m queer, nonbinary and autistic. Neuroqueer is also how I describe myself. I advocate for neurodivergent LGBTQ+ people in my job, and I live the values of Pride year-round. But I live in San Antonio, Texas, where Pride is celebrated outdoors in the 100 degree F summer heat. That heat is dangerous for me because of my fibromyalgia and because of the meds I take. Even when the parade starts at 9 pm, it usually hasn’t cooled off that much. - @stardust_silkys
Embracing yourself and everyone for who they are. Love my autism and my LGBTQ+ identity. Love has no limits. - @_irigeorge_iridizontas
Celebrating love with understanding inclusive people (I'm in a straight marriage, but I love love and it should always be celebrated!). Showing my respect to those who have suffered from discrimination just for wanting to be loved and understood x - @debworth88
There are lots of ways of existing as a happy healthy human that isn’t the standard path society tells us are the norm - @peachnpumpkin
Being actually included by queer groups 🥰🥰🥰 - @yagamilight3000
As a straight and cisgendered autistic man, I feel connected to other people who I think are also neurodivergent. I believe that the areas of the brain where sexual orientation and gender identity exist are their own distinct neurotypes. When someone isn’t straight or cisgender, those neurotype ares are the result of neurodivergent brain structures. While I don’t have the experiential empathy of being someone of the LGBTQIA+, I share a more generalized experience of not being what everyone wanted me to be and being misunderstood throughout my life; it’s from this that I can draw up empathy for LGBTQIA+ people. The must be treated with dignity, respect, compassion, understanding and visibility. - @bradcotter002
A proof that it is NOT illegal or “sinful” to love sby of your own gender or both!! 🥳🍾🎊🎉🏳️🌈💜💙 #itsokaytobegay 😎🌈 - @mariksen
Rainbows and parties 🌈 🌈🌈😂 I don’t need a special month to live the “pride lifestyle”. - @_katbls_
Almost all of my neurospicy friends are queer.. theyre inextricably linked. There is pride in accepting our neurodivergence and our sexuality and gender identities. Its just another thing to celebrate and be proud of. To stand up for and speak out about. Let our voices be heard - @hanami_dango_
Pride is more than a celebration; it's a pivotal moment of visibility and acceptance for those who often navigate multiple layers of marginalisation.
By listening to the voices of the neurodivergent LGBTQIA+ community and implementing inclusive practices, we can ensure that Pride is an empowering experience for everyone involved.
PS: Our Community series stories are unedited for grammar or spelling, and posted as received on our socials. The original comments can be found on our Instagram.
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