Autism and LGBTQ+: Our Intersectional Identities

Understanding the Autism and LGBTQ+ Connection

Neuroqueerness: the overlap is real. We’re not alone in this. Research shows autistic individuals are way more likely to be LGBTQ+ than our allistic counterparts. For example, a 2021 study in Molecular Autism found autistic adults are up to three times more likely to identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender compared to non-autistic adults.¹

Why? It makes sense when you think about it: Autism challenges us to experience the world differently… socially, sensorially, emotionally, the way we experience relationships, the way we experience gender expression, the way we go against norms and dominant culture. We’re super used to existing outside the dominant culture. This questioning and fluidity often extends to gender and sexuality. For many members of the community, neurodivergence and queerness go hand in hand as part of who we were born to be– uniquely ourselves.

What Does It Mean to Be Both Autistic and LGBTQ+?

Our identities are deeply intertwined and color all of our experiences. We don’t just experience autism and queerness separately: they blend, shape, and amplify each other, and it’s next to impossible to understand who we are without understanding the whole picture. Our queer identity might look or feel different from the typical narratives out there. And our autism might affect how we express or understand our sexuality and gender.

This intersection is why terms like neuroqueer exist, to capture that mix of neurodivergence and queer identity in a way that feels whole to us. Neuroqueer perfectly encapsulates that we’re living identities that don’t usually fit neatly into most traditional boxes.

The Reality of Seeking Affirming Healthcare

Let’s be honest: accessing affirming healthcare as autistic LGBTQ+ individuals is complicated and often very frustrating. Research shows autistic people, especially those who are also queer, face significant barriers when looking for knowledgeable, respectful care.² We may not look a certain way or act a certain way that providers expect, so we may get dismissed and further marginalized (and still not getting our needs met, unfortunately.).

Healthcare providers often lack training in autism, let alone the unique needs of autistic LGBTQ+ clients. Others may practice with a whole bunch of bias. Many of us experience misdiagnosis, questioning, or dismissive attitudes. We might pathologized for our sexual orientation, gender, AND autistic identities. This lack of affirming care can cause serious harm, worsening anxiety, depression, and even suicidality.³

Mental health support can be a nightmare to find. Studies show autistic LGBTQ+ youth have significantly higher rates of depression and anxiety than their peers, yet often can’t find therapists who understand both autism and queer experiences.⁴ This is also the case for adults. This multiply marginalized stress piles up, making our mental health journeys uniquely challenging.

Our Identity is Powerful and Beautiful!

Being autistic and LGBTQ+ is not a flaw or defect, it’s a whole rich identity that deserves celebration and appreciation. Embracing all parts of ourselves is a beautiful act of self-love and resilience in a world built for neurodominant, cishetero norms.

We often discover this identity through years of introspection, trial, error, exploration, and experimentation… sometimes feeling isolated, sometimes finding radical joy in community. There is no one “right way” to be autistic or queer: there’s actually a whole world of different possibilities and presentation. Some of us mask or camouflage our autism; some don’t. Some of us have fluid or nonbinary gender identities; others are more binary. Our experiences are diverse, valid, and constantly evolving.

Why Representation and Community Matter

When society erases or ignores the autistic queer experience, it leaves many of us feeling unseen or misunderstood. That’s why representation matters in media, healthcare, education, and online spaces.

Connecting with other autistic LGBTQ+ people can feel like finding home or several different places that all feel like home. These communities provide loving support, shared understanding, and validation. Online forums, local groups, and social media are often the first places where we hear: “I’ve been through that, too.”

Representation also pushes systems to improve. When we share our stories, demand better care, and insist on inclusion, people have to listen. That ripple effect creates big waves. 

Final Thoughts: Owning Our Intersection

Being autistic and LGBTQ+ isn’t a checkbox; it’s an ongoing, layered identity shaped by biology, experience, and culture. Our intersection brings both challenges and strengths, but make us who we are, literally.

Navigating the world can be tough when you don’t fit conventional molds. But by embracing who we are, getting affirming care, and building community, we’re creating spaces where all our parts can thrive.

If you see yourself here, welcome, and happy Pride (always).