Under The Double Rainbow – The intersection of autism and LGBTQIA+

In recent years our society has grown more accepting of differences, whether those differences be in neurology, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Many individuals on the autism spectrum are diverse in more ways than one: research has shown autistic individuals are more likely to identify as LGBTQIA+. 

Contemporary research on the intersection of autism, sexuality, and gender identity asserts that autistic individuals are 6 times more likely to identify as LGBTQIA+ than the neurotypical population. Similarly, the prevalence of autism is higher among transgender people than cisgender individuals. Autistic individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ face increased discrimination in access to care, cultural stigmas, and violence. Such experiences can drive poor mental health and suicidality, which are already high among autistic and LGBTQIA+ communities.

In particular, “autistic adults and adolescents are approximately eight times more likely to identify as asexual and ‘other’ sexuality than their non-autistic peers. And there were sex differences in sexual orientation: autistic males are 3.5 times more likely to identify as bisexual than non-autistic males, whereas autistic females are three times more likely to identify as homosexual than non-autistic females.”*

Autistic individuals are also between three and six times more likely than neurotypical people to identify as trans or nonbinary. Sadly, LGBTQIA+ autistic individuals are more likely to experience poor mental health compared to cisgendered and straight autistic people, something that many researchers attribute to minority stress and lack of social acceptance. This stress is most pronounced among those who live in non-affirming families and communities. 

Risk of suicide is elevated among both neurotypical LGBTIA+ and straight and cisgendered autistic populations, but autistic LGBTIA+ youth have a substantially higher suicide risk than either of those two groups. In light of this, acceptance isn’t just the right thing to do, but rather an essential life-saving measure. 

Many LGBTQIA+ autistic individuals have identified parallels between masking autistic traits to gain social acceptance and avoid rejection and hiding their sexual orientation or gender identity for the same reasons. The rainbow infinity sign was created as a symbol of neurodiversity by autistic LGBTQIA+ people for that reason.

To better support autistic LGBTQIA+ individuals, we are holding a panel presentation to validate, and listen to the lived experiences of this community. By doing so, we can learn how best to support and assist family, friends, and loved ones who experience this intersection. 

We hope this conversation and resources shared are helpful to LGBTQIA+ members of the autism community and those who love and support them.

Mash (pronounced “Mosh”) Makhlyagina is the CEO and founder of Neuro Support Services and a professional education consultant. From Mash: “As a Ukrainian immigrant, ESOL student, and neurodivergent student, school was clearly not made for my brain as a kid.

I excelled because of the support of my community. After earning my Master’s in Teaching, I became a Special Education teacher in 2012. Within a year, I was coaching other teachers! I earned my ELL certificate shortly after. I have taught and coached both elementary and middle school General Education and Special Education. I’ve worked with amazing high schoolers in an alternative education setting. It has been a journey of love and learning across New York and Washington State.

It’s been my honor to support families in over 500 IEP, 504, and Evaluation meetings across the United States. Today I am proud to be an openly autistic/ADHD special education educator and advocate fighting for what students deserve.”

Gerard Miller is a Black, non-binary, queer community educator and care worker. They wear many hats, including non-profit community organizer, full-spectrum doula, herbalist, and spiritualist. With a motto of “Educate to Empower”, Gerard hopes to offer tools and guidance to help individuals and communities find hope and healing.

Jack) Conley, MHA (he/they) is a healthcare administrator, theater artist, and advocate. He identifies as queer and transgender and is diagnosed with autism. Jack has a Masters in Health Administration from Columbia University and a BA in Psychology and Theatre Arts from University of Puget Sound. By day, he currently works in Care Coordination for Swedish Medical Group. By night, he is a theater artist, playwright, poet, director, producer, and advocate – he serves as the Founding Artistic Director for fledgling theatre nonprofit Rainy Day Artistic Collective, which focuses on creating inclusive, accessible theater that strives to amplify less-heard voices. Jack currently lives in the heart of Seattle with his partner and their two cats. When not working or doing theater, he enjoys reading, crafting, travel, games, and cooking.