More representation in the media is really important as well. A great example of this I saw recently was the addition of black and brown colours to the Pride flag, representing ethnic minorities within the LGBTQ+ community. Representation is really important for any minority group. Sharing stories and content from the perspective of LGBTQ+ autistic people and other intersectional identities could be really helpful. I think it can be hard for straight autistic people to be allies, as there is not that much information out there. Having an understanding that we all share similar paths could help. How do you think straight autistic people can be better allies to autistic people in the LGBTQ+ community? I’m not sure how they could make it more accessible for autistic people, but perhaps there should be some more consideration around that. On the other hand, it can be a very overwhelming environment. Pride parades are designed to be loud, celebratory, and symbolic of Stonewall and how Pride started.
A lot of effort is made to ensure that events are accessible for all. Generally, autistic people and those with disabilities are really well received and accepted in LGBTQ+ spaces. How do you think LGBTQ+ spaces can accommodate autistic people at Pride events? Obviously, things are very different this year, so I’m not sure how I’ll celebrate to be honest! The atmosphere is amazing, and the message is so important. From a sensory perspective, it’s a lot to take in – the parades, the noises, the crowds etc – but I can cope with it in short bursts. My first Pride event was in Brighton, then I went to London. I went to a lot of Pride events at that time. I came out when I was in college, and I found an LGBTQ+ community there. Raising awareness of having a disability and being LGBTQ+ helps that understanding, and allows the LGBTQ+ to continue to be inclusive – as it should always be. All nuances of our community should be celebrated and understood. I think it’s important because I’m not the only LGBTQ+ autistic person out there. Why do you think raising awareness of autism in the LGBTQ+ community is so important? Both groups experience what it is like to be in a minority and face some forms of discrimination. You may have to ‘come out’ in both communities. LGBTQ+ people may have a greater understanding of autism, as they already know what it is like to be seen by society as ‘atypical.’ In some ways, being autistic and being LGBTQ+ are similar experiences. I think this helped me fit in.Ĭould you tell us a bit about your experience of being an autistic member of the LGBTQ+ community?īeing part of a community who understand what it’s like to be a minority, can be really positive. I learnt more about how autistic people can ‘mask’ in social situations, which I was able to do at college.
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I learnt social ‘scripts’ and how to engage in small talk. I was able to build up my confidence in social settings. College was much more relaxed than school, and more of an understanding environment. I went to co-educational college, and it was here that I really began to step out of my shell. I was at an all boy’s school at the time, and was trying to figure out my sexuality, as well as being on the spectrum. I think this was exacerbated by being gay. I found it difficult to keep up with my peer group. This then led to a diagnosis.īefore I was diagnosed, I really struggled academically and socially. This was picked up by my school teachers, who let my parents know. It was quite clear I was autistic early on. I found it difficult to communicate with others in a meaningful way, and to make friends. I was in lower sets at school, and I was quite insular.
I definitely knew I was autistic before I knew I was gay. I was diagnosed in 2008, so I would’ve just started secondary school at the time. Tom chatted to us about coming out, his identity as a gay autistic man, and dispelling autism stereotypes.
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With Pride Month in full swing, we catch up with Tom Moran, autistic man and a future trainee solicitor. To celebrate Pride Month in the UK, we’re interviewing autistic members of the LGBTQ+ community. Gift Aid and making your donation go further Our patron, president and vice presidents