The LGBTQ+ community is, by its very nature, a highly diverse community and it is important that we recognise diversity within diverse communities through intersectionality.

Research over the past decade has increasingly shown a statistically significant overlap and complex intersection between autism and LGBTQ+ identities.

A growing body of empirical research demonstrates that people on the autism spectrum are more likely than those who are neurotypical to identify as LGBTQ+. with one study finding that approx 69% of autistic respondents identified as non-heterosexual (George and Stokes, 2018), indicating a substantial divergence from general population norms.

From an intersectionality perspective, we recognise that identities are not additive but mutually constitutive, and that this can shape unique experiences that cannot be reduced to either autism or LGBTQ+ status alone. This is in tandem with the lived experiences that are shaped by attitudes towards autism and LGBTQ+ as distinct characteristics.

Minority Stress can apply to all individuals who are members of a minority group. Intersectionality can intensify this through Compounded Marginalisation, including marginalisation within one or other (or both) communities.

This can be manifest or experienced through, for example, ableism (related to autism) and heteronormativity and cisnormativity (related to LGBTQ+ identity). This in turn can result in intersectional minority stress, which is associated with:

• higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions 
• increased exposure to discrimination and social exclusion

Recent research shows that these overlapping stressors significantly affect well-being, particularly when individuals lack access to affirming communities.

Autism Awareness Week aims to increase understanding and awareness of autism, and in so doing foster inclusive and affirming communities.

For additional information on Autism, the following links will take you to the National Autistic Society:

https://www.autism.org.uk

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism

In marking Autism Acceptance Week, we can add our voice to the many voices across the world for better understanding and greater acceptance. We are also, recognising the richness and range of our community members.

By Stephen Doyle, Co-Chair (academic) BeeProud

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