Neurodivergent Pride: Nurturing Mental Wellness at the Intersection of LGBTQIA+ and Neurodivergent Identities
Each June, Pride Month invites us to celebrate the strength, visibility, and joy of the LGBTQIA+ community. But there’s a vital piece of the conversation that often goes underrepresented: the experiences of neurodivergent individuals within this community. People who are both LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent, such as those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other forms of cognitive diversity live at a powerful intersection that deserves intentional recognition, support, and affirmation.
In our work at Forward Wellness, we’ve seen firsthand how overlapping identities shape mental health. When neurodivergent LGBTQIA+ individuals enter our space, they’re not just seeking therapy, they’re seeking a safe place to be fully seen. And that matters deeply.
The Overlap Is Not a Coincidence
Research and lived experience increasingly show us that the overlap between neurodivergence and LGBTQIA+ identities is significant. For example, studies suggest that autistic individuals are more likely to identify as LGBTQIA+ than their neurotypical peers. Many clients describe their neurodivergence as giving them the courage to question norms including those related to gender and sexuality. Others speak to a lifelong sense of “otherness” that comes from being both queer and neurodivergent in a world that’s often hostile to both.
But living at this intersection also comes with layered challenges. A neurodivergent trans person, for example, might face gatekeeping in mental health care being told their neurodivergence makes their gender identity less valid. They may be misunderstood by providers who don’t fully grasp how these identities inform one another. And they may struggle to find spaces where all parts of themselves are welcomed, not just tolerated.
Mental Wellness Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Traditional models of mental health often fail to serve those at the margins. That’s why a neurodiversity-affirming, LGBTQIA+-affirming approach is so crucial.
Affirming care acknowledges that neurodivergent ways of thinking, feeling, and being aren’t “problems” to fix. Instead, they’re part of a person’s unique wiring, something to understand, celebrate, and support. When combined with LGBTQIA+ affirming practices, this care model helps clients feel respected, validated, and empowered in their healing.
At Forward Wellness, we hold space for the fullness of our clients’ experiences. We believe in adapting our therapeutic approach to fit the individual not the other way around. That might mean offering more sensory-friendly environments, adjusting the pace of sessions, or creating space to explore how neurodivergence and queerness impact relationships, identity development, and self-worth.
Community Matters
One of the most powerful protective factors for LGBTQIA+ neurodivergent people is connection. Being part of a community that understands your lived experience can be deeply healing. Whether it’s through support groups, social spaces, or affirming therapy, finding people who truly “get it” makes all the difference.
Pride Month can be a time of celebration, but also one of fatigue, overstimulation, or alienation, especially for neurodivergent folks. That’s okay. Pride doesn’t have to be loud or public to be real. Pride can be a quiet moment of self-recognition. It can be choosing rest. It can be setting a boundary. Your way of showing up is valid.
You Are Not Alone
If you’re reading this and you recognize yourself in these words, know this: you’re not too much. You’re not broken. You don’t have to choose which part of yourself is worthy of support. Your queerness and your neurodivergence can coexist and in fact, they often inform the most beautiful parts of who you are.
Therapy should be a place where you don’t have to explain the basics of your identity. It should be a space where your uniqueness is honored, your voice is heard, and your story is believed.
This Pride Month, let’s celebrate neurodivergent LGBTQIA+ lives not just in theory, but in action by making room for complexity, honoring differences, and advocating for care that embraces the whole person.
If you or someone you love is navigating the intersection of neurodivergence and LGBTQIA+ identity, we’re here for you. Reach out to Forward Wellness to learn more about our affirming therapy services and community offerings. 🧠🏳️🌈