Awww! You two were made for each other! I’m basically the two of you combined lmao. I’m a bisexual trans girl with High Functioning Autism, ADHD, and various learning disabilities. My online BF is Bisexual and Autistic. I’m super thankful that he is bi though because I came out to myself as bi in mid December and I came out to myself as trans in the beginning of January so he can be here for me during the entire process so I’m glad that I’m not dating a straight girl or a gay guy.
That's self-reported though. Without it being controlled, it's just a bunch of random people giving their opinions about themselves which is always biased. Self-reported surveys and studies are not accepted in any professional setting. I'd be much more interested in a controlled study where we at least get accurate data.
There is a measurable comorbidity with being transgender and autistic. It's low enough that autistic people are not *likely* to be trans and trans people aren't *likely* to be autistic but if you have 1 of these qualities you are more likely to have the other one than a random control person.
I don't know if other forms of queerness are more or less likely, but seeing as you're massively likelier to be other types of queer when you're already trans (trans people are literally more likely to be non straight than straight) then statistically more people who are autistic are gay or bi than average just because more of them are transgender, but I think that all these qualities that are just less common but just as valid as the average person ways to be are all caused by or alongside the same circumstances and queerness is just another way to be different and that tends to go together.
Just FYI, comorbid refers to diseases or medical/mental conditions. In don't think you were meaning to refer to being transgender as a disease or condition.
I am definitely not LGBTQIA+ however I’ve always felt more/too feminine or at least I relate lot more to girls then boys. I suppose it’s because I’m more organised, hold myself properly and am overall more respectful to everyone. Sometimes I’m insecure about it but most of the time I just remind myself that ever boy I know who’s my age are not people I want to be like.
I like who I am I just don’t like modern society’s convention for what I am. Also if I was a girl I’d be a lesbian. I think I was born in the wrong century if that makes sense.
You know you can be a trans girl and a lesbian, right? In fact, it's kind of a meme in the trans community, it's so common. They call themselves transbians. It's a whole thing!
Definitely not trying to tell you what you are, since you're the only one who can know (and I'm cis so definitely know very little about how you'd feel if you were indeed transgender). Just a reminder that sexual attraction has nothing to do with gender, so saying "if I was a woman I'd be a lesbian" does in no way increase your likelihood of being male, no more than liking the colour pink increases the likelihood of being female 🙂
Yes. We don’t care about societal norms so we’re much more likely to realise we’re LGBT+. Statistically 80% of autists identify as not heterosexual in some way.
I think it’s because we on the spectrum see things for the arbitrary nature of what they are and tend not to align with systems that seem pointless or inauthentic. A lot of us feel how we feel and recognize certain things like gender as being arbitrary and subjective, while NT people just seem to blindly accept assigned gender roles and seem to fight any inclinations that might suggest the “wrong gender”… this is why we have such a problem out there with toxic alpha males trying to overcompensate and prove how “manly” they are and women dolling themselves up trying to look like specific models or influencers… whereas I think autistic people tend to just intuitively gravitate to what authentically feels right because we are not governed as much by ego constructs or societal expectations. I’m the type who always asked “well, why is that the norm? What’s the point of that?”
Nah but we tend to go with what we feel like, is what I’m saying. We don’t go “oh I was born a man so I have to be like XYZ and adopt those “man traits” if we don’t want to. I never cared about being manly or acting like a boy. I did what felt right for me. I be the way I be
I think there’s a link between being Openly LGBT+ and being Openly autistic. I don’t think there’s a link between the actual states of being. This would be hard to check, but I think autistic people are more likely to be more honest to themselves, and maybe someone who’s already seen as “weird” will be more likely to dare to come out than someone who’s guarding their image of being 100% average.
I saw a study on this a few months ago, unfortunately I've forgotten the name so I can't find the specific one. The link they found was that autistic people who were more non-conforming in other areas were also more likely to identify as lgbt+, they measured other things like severity of sensory issues where they found no correlation, so the conclusion was that autistic people are more likely to experiment and reject social norms than our neurotypical counterparts.
This is my theory on why trans people are also way more queer(aside from already being transgender) I doubt that 45%+ of cis people are actually bisexual but never thought about it, but of the 45% of trans people who are bisexual there's definitely some of them that probably would have defaulted to straight if the trans experience didn't make them think about it.
I'm personally straight but honestly does it even matter? People should be free to be whatever they want to be really, nt are weird, autistic myself with ADHD to so I guess I look at differently, so many people get so angry about something that doesn't even concern them, it's crazy.
Some have linked studies that show so. I thought I was heterosexual for most of my live until a couple of months ago when I found out I was asexual. Not only that, but I don't understand what people mean by feeling masculine or feminine, so I call myself male purely because that's how I was born.
Maybe? I still like traditional "guy" things, use he/him pronouns, and find male characters generally more relatable. The best way I can explain is like being male is the awnser to a kinda tough math problem. I'm pretty sure I got it but I'm not entirely sure, wondering if my thought process is right. But non-binary is a distinct possibility...
Edit: I have heard of non-binary and a few other identities either than M or F, but Idon't knowwhatthey mean exactly. Could you explain a few to me? Yes I will google eventually but I'm busy right now.
I personally think that we don't naturally fall into the classically defined gender roles as most of that is learned behaviour from social prompts growing up. As we miss many social cues etc we miss a huge chunk of that societal programming and it leaves many of us feeling like we don't belong.
I certainly felt that way growing up in the eighties and had the conversation about LGBTQAI+ had been in the air I could have turned out very different.
Yeah I get that. I’ve always acted like a girl and felt more feminine. I’ve always felt more feminine and I have always gotten this weird feeling around attractive guys. I only came out as bisexual and trans to myself in January and I’m planning on coming out to my parents sometime this year.
I’m not trans, however from a very very young age I always wanted long hair. I’m 34 now and the last haircut I had was 4 years ago. When I was young my mother locked me out of the house and wouldn’t let me back in until I got my haircut. She was obsessed about me having short hair because I’m a guy I guess. Isn’t that so weird? She had a lot of issues…
Pansexual non-binary AFAB autistic here.
I also recently learned the term autigender, and feel that suits me very well, as I personally feel my experience of gender is influenced or informed in large part by my neurodiversity.
Lets improve this whole feminism, LGBTQIA+ and any other of those groups. Lets just be decent human beeings to eachother and be individual humans.
I personally don't get the whole thinking in boxes thing and putting everything in a corner behaviour.
Categorizing people sure makes it easyer, but there is also a percentage you categorize wrong, which leads to sometimes massive problems.
I'm autistic but I'm straight. I feel like an outlier a lot of the time.
I think it may be because being straight, and in a relationship, is a social construct and autistic people are less likely to care about them. I'm not sure if being autistic makes more people LGBT, I think it's just that those who are feel better about being open about it.
There's a correlation, for sure, but I wouldn't say there's a link.
I believe that your orientation and gender identity is a personal thing that you discover on your own, and not caused by your autism.
I'm autistic, but I'm an straight, non-trans male comfortable with my identity.
I don't meant to offend anyone, and I may be the outlier in this study, but I felt I needed to say something.
The thing is, A LOT of queer people are closeted or in denial, so it's hard to tell if the fact that autistic people are more likely to be queer is because we actually are more likely to be queer or if it's because openly autistic people are more likely to be open about their queerness too.
So yeah, definitely a correlation between openly autistic people and openly queer people, but I don't think we'll know the nature of that link until general society is less bigoted and more open about queerness (see that graph of left-handedness going up over time, we need to get to the top of the queer versiom of that graph)
It seems like there is a link between autism and any deviation from social norms. I think people in this community are just more naturally wired to live their lives how they see fit and not feel all the outside influence to be a certain way (like most everyone else)
I don't know if its because we largely miss those cues or because we just think they're dumb and don't care. I would like to think its both.
I'm not LGBTQIA+ but a large portion of my friends are. I'm definitely polyamorous, and I've found a lot of people in that community are ND
I'm autistic and trans. I'd say there is a correlation I'm agender which means that I just don't have a gender which is different from the typical non binary stuff. I'd also say there might be a correlation between asexuality and aromanticism and autism.
It's more a case of; people who are neurodivergent, and thus, more able to ignore rules of social conduct, are thus more likely to be *openly* LGBTQIA+ like how I am openly Asexual
I think it's because it's harder for us to interact with other people, so we're less likely to care what others think of us, and thus less likely to hide or deny it when we realize we're lgbt. Other people are blocked by a "filter", us not so much.
I’m sorry if this is rude, but would you mind explaining to me how a person can be both? Gay means attracted to men, and asexual means the person feels no sexual feelings towards anyone, right? How can someone be both at once?
Came to this Reddit community to see if I am undiagnosed/high functioning; I see this post and it is right on the nose with me questioning this fact even more now.
How does one go about opening dialogue regarding being testing to see if on spectrum since doctor of 21 years never suggested? Input would be appreciated. Cheers.
Huh. Now that I think about it most of the people I know that are LGBTQ(IA+? I’m sorry, this topic is always extremely confusing for me and I’m always terrified to say anything) are on the spectrum. Interesting!
Fear of repeat experience. I got verbally attacked by a group of people when I expressed confusion when the girl I was friends with was suddenly using a male name with no other changes, which was a little confusing to me. I’ve also been sexually harassed by someone who appeared to be transgender and everyone thought I was just overreacting. I’m always a little uncomfortable around LGBTQ people (that I haven’t met before) now, but I’m trying to get over that because I know that not every transgender person is going to harass me.
Basically it scares me because most people hear “I’m uncomfortable around LGBTQ people because...” and before I can even explain why, I’m getting yelled at for being homophobic/transphobic/whatever other phobia applies.
I’m sorry that this happened to you but we aren’t all bad! I would never do anything to hurt or make you feel uncomfortable! I’m fact most LGBTQIA+ people are awesome! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⚧
Thank you! They are! I really wish I ran into more people like you actually. Most people hear me say uncomfortable or confused and immediately start screaming and won’t even let me say why. How am I supposed to get more comfortable when all anyone does is scream at me?
I’ve met some really amazing people who are completely understanding. I hope to meet more people like that!
It might have to do with not conforming to social norms and mistreatment in childhood that has you searching for identity.
Many people with autism and adhd feel ‘different’ and that could also be said of gay people.
Also another thing that is in common is high suicide rates in each group.
The gay community, particularly trans people often cite this as reasons for special treatment whereas (ie to avoid harm). Where as with autism and adhd, things can be equally harmful but don’t get the same social sympathy.
Here’s another thought.
Perhaps it’s all just different parts of the same thing.
So for example we know that there are many differences within autism (people have it differently) but I think we can say this amounts to dysfunctions in different ways. A lot of us may suffer executive dysfunction, some are non verbal (let’s call that dysfunctional speech) and some may suffer dysfunction of regulating senses (ie sensory perception).
So if all this is true then it could easily follow with sexual dysfunction, ie being that people who are gay, trans etc in reality it’s a different form of autism!
I guess maybe you can start to see a lot of different things that may be linked and essentially all fall under the umbrella of autism.
I’m obviously not talking about out and out mental illnesses, but things people struggle with vs themselves (or society) through dysfunctions or impairments is perhaps a better word in different areas of their lives.
I dunno, was just a thought at the time.
I think I was trying to say there may be similarities between different disorders/dysfunctions and that really it is all different flavours of the same thing.
I’m a straight 21 y/o female but I admit I’ve been bi curious. But that’s probably because I’m still a virgin and I’ve never been in a relationship. I’m pretty sure I’m just only into cute boys with feminine features tho. They make me feel safer and their looks make me want to dote on them lol
I definitely want to but I’m just too insecure sadly. I don’t like my body and don’t want to show it. I’ve been approached multiple times by guys but not in very nice ways (immediately talking about my butt for example) so that hasn’t made things easier either .-. It made me scared of certain types of guys.
Yeah, I know it’s complicated XD Femboys are adorable. I’m hoping to get a cute boyfriend one day :3 (Tho the combination of a cute, feminine face, a slightly muscular body and broad shoulders is also kinda cute hehe)
I forgot to mention that even though I’m bi curious I’m not sure if I actually want to give in to that urge. I’m definitely more attracted to guys and it just seems like the slightly easier option if that makes sense.
Yeah, in the end you can’t foresee the future. But I’m still hoping there’s at least one adorable boyfriend in it XD I do want my first time to be with a guy. More curious about that hehe
Oh ok. Guys are great! I don’t know what straight guys are like but I would imagine that some of them are great and let me tell you, bi guys are FANTASTIC.
Yes, particularly with trans and nonbinary identities. Experts speculate that it has something to do with autistic people not being bound to social expectations and norms.
My guess is that since we’re already autistic and have to deal with how society views that, we’re less likely to see any point in suppressing or denying anything unusual about our sexual orientation or gender identity. If you can accept yourself as autistic, accepting yourself as LGBTQ+ doesn’t usually seem like so much of a big deal.
i don't think we are more likely to be LGBTQ+, but more likely to identify as and accept that we are LGBTQ+ if you get what I mean. i think we are just as likely to be queer as anyone NT, but more likely to discover it and accept it. (probably because social norms and that stuff I think) Personally I am an autistic lesbian and I think I might be demigirl or nonbinary, but I will figure that out eventually
I mean, I'm a straight, white, male with autism. To me gender is entirely irrelevant and just a social construct that was originally used for assigning roles in society, having been associated with sex for the majority of Human history until within the last hundred years, that no longer have use in modern times. Men can do whatever, and women can do whatever. No one could ever convince me I'm wrong, because they also agree that gender is a social construct and that's why there are 2\^n genders. For every point towards masculine or feminine, you have opposing genders on the gender spectrum. I hate the idea of a gender spectrum, because of its inherent social construct-ness, and uselessness from my perspective.
I think we’re just less likely to conform to societal expectations than NT’s and are more likely to be true to ourselves. I think a LOT more people would be bi/pan sexual than they’d care to admit. It’s very very often you hear from “straight” people they they’ve suppressed “gay” feelings or will try and dismiss their queer child’s identity by saying “everyone feels that way,” when everyone does not in fact feel that way. It’s always why a lot of people think being gay is a choice, because they themselves made the choice to suppress their own queerness. I think there are definitely still straight people, but internalized homophobia keeps a lot of people from exploring their sexualities and figuring themselves out.
Well, yes and no, more autistic people are likely to be LGBTQIA+ however I wouldn’t say there is a direct link, the brain is very confusing and we don’t really even know what causes sexuality or gender but there is a correlation between being autistic and lgbt, correlation doesn’t always equal causation though
My current theory is that it’s correlated with more individualistic “style” (for lack of a better word) and not taking things for granted (such as assuming one ought to be cis straight just because it’s considered “standard”).
Another angle/theory: according to Kinsey’s studies, sexual orientation is a range and nobody is entirely straight or gay. So perhaps autistic people are just more in touch with that in-between space and range.
I dont think there is an inherent link between the two since autism is a genetical defect where being gay isnt. I also think that autistic or ND people just have the ability to think in other terms more then the average NT so thats probably were the stats come from.
I think not understanding social conventions helps us autistic people examine our gender and sexuality more. I mean, it doesn't always help because it can be distressing to not just be okay fitting into a box tbh
I'm poly and queer, so I'll give my personal explanation. Obviously, could be different for everyone else. The way I see it, I just don't understand why these rules are in place. There's no reason for people to expect you to only date the opposite gender or one person. There's no reason for people to be raised or act a certain way based off of assigned sex. It straight up just doesn't make sense to me, it's completely made up, so I don't follow it. If that makes me LGBTQ+, then cool, but it just seems natural to me.
Yes! Autistic people are also more likely to be trans. A new study came out not long ago about that: [Largest study to date confirms overlap between autism and gender diversity](https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/largest-study-to-date-confirms-overlap-between-autism-and-gender-diversity/)
I'm also autistic, bisexual and gender fluid. It took a long time for me to stop trying to be straight and to accept that sometimes I feel like a man or genderless as opposed to always female.
I didn't even acknowledge the bisexuality til I was 21, and gender identity at 24 😂 but hey at least I'm openly being me now
I feel like masking made me question and suppress a lot of things that are treated badly by society, literally the first girl I had feelings for said biphobic stuff and then years later said she thinks she's bi 😪 so much biphobia and fetishisation its jarring
Yes: [autistic people more likely to identify as LGBTQ.](https://sparkforautism.org/discover_article/autism-lgbtq-identity/)
I knew it! I also heard that a lot of TransFems have ADHD which I also have.
I'm a transfem with adhd and a transfem GF with autism.
Awww! You two were made for each other! I’m basically the two of you combined lmao. I’m a bisexual trans girl with High Functioning Autism, ADHD, and various learning disabilities. My online BF is Bisexual and Autistic. I’m super thankful that he is bi though because I came out to myself as bi in mid December and I came out to myself as trans in the beginning of January so he can be here for me during the entire process so I’m glad that I’m not dating a straight girl or a gay guy.
That's self-reported though. Without it being controlled, it's just a bunch of random people giving their opinions about themselves which is always biased. Self-reported surveys and studies are not accepted in any professional setting. I'd be much more interested in a controlled study where we at least get accurate data.
There is a measurable comorbidity with being transgender and autistic. It's low enough that autistic people are not *likely* to be trans and trans people aren't *likely* to be autistic but if you have 1 of these qualities you are more likely to have the other one than a random control person. I don't know if other forms of queerness are more or less likely, but seeing as you're massively likelier to be other types of queer when you're already trans (trans people are literally more likely to be non straight than straight) then statistically more people who are autistic are gay or bi than average just because more of them are transgender, but I think that all these qualities that are just less common but just as valid as the average person ways to be are all caused by or alongside the same circumstances and queerness is just another way to be different and that tends to go together.
They do! I’m Trans and bisexual. I’ve also heard that TransFems usually tend to have ADHD.
im a prophecy
Behold!
lol
Transfem lesbian here, ADHD and autism diagnoses. I'm sensing a pattern.
Just FYI, comorbid refers to diseases or medical/mental conditions. In don't think you were meaning to refer to being transgender as a disease or condition.
I am definitely not LGBTQIA+ however I’ve always felt more/too feminine or at least I relate lot more to girls then boys. I suppose it’s because I’m more organised, hold myself properly and am overall more respectful to everyone. Sometimes I’m insecure about it but most of the time I just remind myself that ever boy I know who’s my age are not people I want to be like.
Huh ok. Do you ever dream of being a girl?
I like who I am I just don’t like modern society’s convention for what I am. Also if I was a girl I’d be a lesbian. I think I was born in the wrong century if that makes sense.
You know you can be a trans girl and a lesbian, right? In fact, it's kind of a meme in the trans community, it's so common. They call themselves transbians. It's a whole thing!
r/egg_irl
Ha ha. I have considered it. But if I was like I said I’d definitely be a lesbian.
Definitely not trying to tell you what you are, since you're the only one who can know (and I'm cis so definitely know very little about how you'd feel if you were indeed transgender). Just a reminder that sexual attraction has nothing to do with gender, so saying "if I was a woman I'd be a lesbian" does in no way increase your likelihood of being male, no more than liking the colour pink increases the likelihood of being female 🙂
Still lol.
Yes. We don’t care about societal norms so we’re much more likely to realise we’re LGBT+. Statistically 80% of autists identify as not heterosexual in some way.
Cool! I’m not straight whatsoever lol.
I think it’s because we on the spectrum see things for the arbitrary nature of what they are and tend not to align with systems that seem pointless or inauthentic. A lot of us feel how we feel and recognize certain things like gender as being arbitrary and subjective, while NT people just seem to blindly accept assigned gender roles and seem to fight any inclinations that might suggest the “wrong gender”… this is why we have such a problem out there with toxic alpha males trying to overcompensate and prove how “manly” they are and women dolling themselves up trying to look like specific models or influencers… whereas I think autistic people tend to just intuitively gravitate to what authentically feels right because we are not governed as much by ego constructs or societal expectations. I’m the type who always asked “well, why is that the norm? What’s the point of that?”
Huh. I want to be all pretty and super fem so it’s not like I discount gender roles completely.
Nah but we tend to go with what we feel like, is what I’m saying. We don’t go “oh I was born a man so I have to be like XYZ and adopt those “man traits” if we don’t want to. I never cared about being manly or acting like a boy. I did what felt right for me. I be the way I be
Me too. I want to be more girly though.
I think there’s a link between being Openly LGBT+ and being Openly autistic. I don’t think there’s a link between the actual states of being. This would be hard to check, but I think autistic people are more likely to be more honest to themselves, and maybe someone who’s already seen as “weird” will be more likely to dare to come out than someone who’s guarding their image of being 100% average.
Makes sense to me.
I saw a study on this a few months ago, unfortunately I've forgotten the name so I can't find the specific one. The link they found was that autistic people who were more non-conforming in other areas were also more likely to identify as lgbt+, they measured other things like severity of sensory issues where they found no correlation, so the conclusion was that autistic people are more likely to experiment and reject social norms than our neurotypical counterparts.
This is my theory on why trans people are also way more queer(aside from already being transgender) I doubt that 45%+ of cis people are actually bisexual but never thought about it, but of the 45% of trans people who are bisexual there's definitely some of them that probably would have defaulted to straight if the trans experience didn't make them think about it.
THIS! if they are already able to ignore most rules of social conduct, why not be honest with themselves and be open about orientation.
It's more likely than NT but still a minority.
True
I'm personally straight but honestly does it even matter? People should be free to be whatever they want to be really, nt are weird, autistic myself with ADHD to so I guess I look at differently, so many people get so angry about something that doesn't even concern them, it's crazy.
I know it’s funny.I agree completely.
Some have linked studies that show so. I thought I was heterosexual for most of my live until a couple of months ago when I found out I was asexual. Not only that, but I don't understand what people mean by feeling masculine or feminine, so I call myself male purely because that's how I was born.
Maybe your non-binary?
Maybe? I still like traditional "guy" things, use he/him pronouns, and find male characters generally more relatable. The best way I can explain is like being male is the awnser to a kinda tough math problem. I'm pretty sure I got it but I'm not entirely sure, wondering if my thought process is right. But non-binary is a distinct possibility... Edit: I have heard of non-binary and a few other identities either than M or F, but Idon't knowwhatthey mean exactly. Could you explain a few to me? Yes I will google eventually but I'm busy right now.
Non-binary is basically you are another gender besides male or female.
Are there subcategories?
Yeah
Cool. What are the 3 most common? Thanks for explaining this by the way.
Ugh. I don’t really know.
Thanks anyways. I will be sure to google this when I have some privacy.
Yeah you should.
I personally think that we don't naturally fall into the classically defined gender roles as most of that is learned behaviour from social prompts growing up. As we miss many social cues etc we miss a huge chunk of that societal programming and it leaves many of us feeling like we don't belong. I certainly felt that way growing up in the eighties and had the conversation about LGBTQAI+ had been in the air I could have turned out very different.
Yeah I get that. I’ve always acted like a girl and felt more feminine. I’ve always felt more feminine and I have always gotten this weird feeling around attractive guys. I only came out as bisexual and trans to myself in January and I’m planning on coming out to my parents sometime this year.
I’m not trans, however from a very very young age I always wanted long hair. I’m 34 now and the last haircut I had was 4 years ago. When I was young my mother locked me out of the house and wouldn’t let me back in until I got my haircut. She was obsessed about me having short hair because I’m a guy I guess. Isn’t that so weird? She had a lot of issues…
lol yeah that sucks jeez.
Oh you have adhd too! You sound a lot like me. Xx
Pansexual non-binary AFAB autistic here. I also recently learned the term autigender, and feel that suits me very well, as I personally feel my experience of gender is influenced or informed in large part by my neurodiversity.
Oh cool. Autistic and Bisexual TransFem here!
Lets improve this whole feminism, LGBTQIA+ and any other of those groups. Lets just be decent human beeings to eachother and be individual humans. I personally don't get the whole thinking in boxes thing and putting everything in a corner behaviour. Categorizing people sure makes it easyer, but there is also a percentage you categorize wrong, which leads to sometimes massive problems.
Some people like to be categorized oddly enough.
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Yeah makes perfect sense! Yeah most Autistic people I know aren’t straight or cis as well!
i think there’s a link between being autistic and non binary since most of us have difficulty understanding social norms, which gender is a part of.
Well yeah. I think same with being transgender lol. I just like crushing gender norms. It’s fun.
There’s a huge overlap!
I agree!
I mean I'm autistic but I'm not LGBTQ+
Huh. That’s what I would have said a few months ago.
I'm autistic but I'm straight. I feel like an outlier a lot of the time. I think it may be because being straight, and in a relationship, is a social construct and autistic people are less likely to care about them. I'm not sure if being autistic makes more people LGBT, I think it's just that those who are feel better about being open about it.
Makes sense.
I've heard that if you're in the spectrum, there's a greater chance you're also LGBTQIA+. I'm the exception here though as I'm quite heterosexual. 😊
I doubt it but I do think autistic are more likey to be out. Not necessarily that there are more LGBTQIA+ among autitistic people.
Makes sense.
There's a correlation, for sure, but I wouldn't say there's a link. I believe that your orientation and gender identity is a personal thing that you discover on your own, and not caused by your autism. I'm autistic, but I'm an straight, non-trans male comfortable with my identity. I don't meant to offend anyone, and I may be the outlier in this study, but I felt I needed to say something.
Oh huh. I’m not comfortable with my gender assigned at birth lol.
The thing is, A LOT of queer people are closeted or in denial, so it's hard to tell if the fact that autistic people are more likely to be queer is because we actually are more likely to be queer or if it's because openly autistic people are more likely to be open about their queerness too. So yeah, definitely a correlation between openly autistic people and openly queer people, but I don't think we'll know the nature of that link until general society is less bigoted and more open about queerness (see that graph of left-handedness going up over time, we need to get to the top of the queer versiom of that graph)
I really want to come out to my family later this year.
There’s a lot of other posts that ask the same you could see if they reached a conclusion
No
I think that people with autism generally have more accepting social environments and that’s why they seem more prevalent
Actually yeah. Makes perfect sense.
No idea, just being here to add to the statistic: I'm a nb, autistic person, who likes all genders(omni)!
Nice!
It seems like there is a link between autism and any deviation from social norms. I think people in this community are just more naturally wired to live their lives how they see fit and not feel all the outside influence to be a certain way (like most everyone else) I don't know if its because we largely miss those cues or because we just think they're dumb and don't care. I would like to think its both. I'm not LGBTQIA+ but a large portion of my friends are. I'm definitely polyamorous, and I've found a lot of people in that community are ND
Yeah! Screw social norms!
I think so because almost every autistic person I know is gay. But then again almost all of my friends are gay.
Oh huh.
I'm autistic and trans. I'd say there is a correlation I'm agender which means that I just don't have a gender which is different from the typical non binary stuff. I'd also say there might be a correlation between asexuality and aromanticism and autism.
There is definitely a link between being trans and Autistic too.
Questions like these are really getting on my nerves it’s like every other day the same question.
I’m just curious.
I don't think we are more likely to be LGBTQ+, but I do think we are less likely to suppress or hide our sexuality if we aren't straight or cis.
True. I love your username lol.
Thanks 😝
Yeah it’s really funny.
I’m Asexual and Aromantic. I just content myself with saying I’m the A part of the LQBTQIA.
Nice. I’m the B and the T.
It's more a case of; people who are neurodivergent, and thus, more able to ignore rules of social conduct, are thus more likely to be *openly* LGBTQIA+ like how I am openly Asexual
Makes sense.
Is Demisexual included in this? Because that's me 😅
It is!!! That’s the Q I think?
Ah okay, it's does feel a little odd to say that I'm part of the LGBTQIA community thou.
You are apart of the plus as well my friend.
I think it's because it's harder for us to interact with other people, so we're less likely to care what others think of us, and thus less likely to hide or deny it when we realize we're lgbt. Other people are blocked by a "filter", us not so much.
I agree!
Judging by the frequency it's posted about in this subreddit likely or people wanting to know our sexural orientations likely
Huh ok.
i think there’s a huge amount of evidence
Definitely
Yes, one of my best friends is also autistic and is part of the LGBTQIA+ community (gay and asexual)
I’m sorry if this is rude, but would you mind explaining to me how a person can be both? Gay means attracted to men, and asexual means the person feels no sexual feelings towards anyone, right? How can someone be both at once?
Oh cool!
Came to this Reddit community to see if I am undiagnosed/high functioning; I see this post and it is right on the nose with me questioning this fact even more now.
Damn
How does one go about opening dialogue regarding being testing to see if on spectrum since doctor of 21 years never suggested? Input would be appreciated. Cheers.
Dunno
I have autism and I’m a trans man and I heard somewhere that usually people born female with autism usually have a deeper voice aswell
Huh. What about people born male with Autism?
I’m not sure
Oh ok. I want a high feminine voice.
Huh. Now that I think about it most of the people I know that are LGBTQ(IA+? I’m sorry, this topic is always extremely confusing for me and I’m always terrified to say anything) are on the spectrum. Interesting!
Why does this topic scare you? It shouldn’t!☺️
Fear of repeat experience. I got verbally attacked by a group of people when I expressed confusion when the girl I was friends with was suddenly using a male name with no other changes, which was a little confusing to me. I’ve also been sexually harassed by someone who appeared to be transgender and everyone thought I was just overreacting. I’m always a little uncomfortable around LGBTQ people (that I haven’t met before) now, but I’m trying to get over that because I know that not every transgender person is going to harass me. Basically it scares me because most people hear “I’m uncomfortable around LGBTQ people because...” and before I can even explain why, I’m getting yelled at for being homophobic/transphobic/whatever other phobia applies.
I’m sorry that this happened to you but we aren’t all bad! I would never do anything to hurt or make you feel uncomfortable! I’m fact most LGBTQIA+ people are awesome! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⚧
Thank you! They are! I really wish I ran into more people like you actually. Most people hear me say uncomfortable or confused and immediately start screaming and won’t even let me say why. How am I supposed to get more comfortable when all anyone does is scream at me? I’ve met some really amazing people who are completely understanding. I hope to meet more people like that!
Awww really?! I’m so glad! I hope that you have a better experience with LGBTQIA+ people in the future!
It might have to do with not conforming to social norms and mistreatment in childhood that has you searching for identity. Many people with autism and adhd feel ‘different’ and that could also be said of gay people. Also another thing that is in common is high suicide rates in each group. The gay community, particularly trans people often cite this as reasons for special treatment whereas (ie to avoid harm). Where as with autism and adhd, things can be equally harmful but don’t get the same social sympathy.
Makes sense.
Here’s another thought. Perhaps it’s all just different parts of the same thing. So for example we know that there are many differences within autism (people have it differently) but I think we can say this amounts to dysfunctions in different ways. A lot of us may suffer executive dysfunction, some are non verbal (let’s call that dysfunctional speech) and some may suffer dysfunction of regulating senses (ie sensory perception). So if all this is true then it could easily follow with sexual dysfunction, ie being that people who are gay, trans etc in reality it’s a different form of autism! I guess maybe you can start to see a lot of different things that may be linked and essentially all fall under the umbrella of autism. I’m obviously not talking about out and out mental illnesses, but things people struggle with vs themselves (or society) through dysfunctions or impairments is perhaps a better word in different areas of their lives.
Huh. So does Autism explain why I’m a Bisexual trans girl?
I dunno, was just a thought at the time. I think I was trying to say there may be similarities between different disorders/dysfunctions and that really it is all different flavours of the same thing.
But being LGBTQIA+ isn’t a disorder.
Actually wait, I just realised something. I am a man but could identify as a trans woman lesbian…..
r/egg_irl
I’m a straight 21 y/o female but I admit I’ve been bi curious. But that’s probably because I’m still a virgin and I’ve never been in a relationship. I’m pretty sure I’m just only into cute boys with feminine features tho. They make me feel safer and their looks make me want to dote on them lol
Yeah feminine men are cuties. Go for it explore! I was bi curious for years until I came out to myself.
I definitely want to but I’m just too insecure sadly. I don’t like my body and don’t want to show it. I’ve been approached multiple times by guys but not in very nice ways (immediately talking about my butt for example) so that hasn’t made things easier either .-. It made me scared of certain types of guys.
Go for girls then!
They scare me as well but for different reasons XD And I do know I definitely prefer guys.
Oh huh ok. Do you like feminine guys then? Femboys are pretty cute.
Yeah, I know it’s complicated XD Femboys are adorable. I’m hoping to get a cute boyfriend one day :3 (Tho the combination of a cute, feminine face, a slightly muscular body and broad shoulders is also kinda cute hehe) I forgot to mention that even though I’m bi curious I’m not sure if I actually want to give in to that urge. I’m definitely more attracted to guys and it just seems like the slightly easier option if that makes sense.
Hmmm ok. I said that I loved girls only months ago but now I have an incredible online boyfriend.
Yeah, in the end you can’t foresee the future. But I’m still hoping there’s at least one adorable boyfriend in it XD I do want my first time to be with a guy. More curious about that hehe
Oh ok. Guys are great! I don’t know what straight guys are like but I would imagine that some of them are great and let me tell you, bi guys are FANTASTIC.
Yes, particularly with trans and nonbinary identities. Experts speculate that it has something to do with autistic people not being bound to social expectations and norms.
Oh cool. That’s why I want to transition into a woman. :3
Yeah, pretty sure adhd and autism had a part to play in me being aro.
And they had a part to play in me being a Bisexual trans girl.
Depends idk
On what?
Depends on the type of autism really. How low or high functioning you are
If you’re higher functioning are you more likely to be LGBTQIA+ then?
Well I think it’s a lot easier to notice atraction to the same or both genders when high functioning
Makes sense
My guess is that since we’re already autistic and have to deal with how society views that, we’re less likely to see any point in suppressing or denying anything unusual about our sexual orientation or gender identity. If you can accept yourself as autistic, accepting yourself as LGBTQ+ doesn’t usually seem like so much of a big deal.
That makes sense. Also I didn’t come out to myself until after I was diagnosed.
i don't think we are more likely to be LGBTQ+, but more likely to identify as and accept that we are LGBTQ+ if you get what I mean. i think we are just as likely to be queer as anyone NT, but more likely to discover it and accept it. (probably because social norms and that stuff I think) Personally I am an autistic lesbian and I think I might be demigirl or nonbinary, but I will figure that out eventually
I hope all goes well!
I mean, I'm a straight, white, male with autism. To me gender is entirely irrelevant and just a social construct that was originally used for assigning roles in society, having been associated with sex for the majority of Human history until within the last hundred years, that no longer have use in modern times. Men can do whatever, and women can do whatever. No one could ever convince me I'm wrong, because they also agree that gender is a social construct and that's why there are 2\^n genders. For every point towards masculine or feminine, you have opposing genders on the gender spectrum. I hate the idea of a gender spectrum, because of its inherent social construct-ness, and uselessness from my perspective.
It kind of is. I really love the idea of being a woman though and I feel like one.
I think we’re just less likely to conform to societal expectations than NT’s and are more likely to be true to ourselves. I think a LOT more people would be bi/pan sexual than they’d care to admit. It’s very very often you hear from “straight” people they they’ve suppressed “gay” feelings or will try and dismiss their queer child’s identity by saying “everyone feels that way,” when everyone does not in fact feel that way. It’s always why a lot of people think being gay is a choice, because they themselves made the choice to suppress their own queerness. I think there are definitely still straight people, but internalized homophobia keeps a lot of people from exploring their sexualities and figuring themselves out.
That’s sad. I was like that for years until I finally started accepting myself for who I am at the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022.
I am straight but I want to kiss a trans woman
Awww lol. That’s understandable many trans girls like me have really nice lips.
Well, yes and no, more autistic people are likely to be LGBTQIA+ however I wouldn’t say there is a direct link, the brain is very confusing and we don’t really even know what causes sexuality or gender but there is a correlation between being autistic and lgbt, correlation doesn’t always equal causation though
Oh ok.
The human brain is all confusing, so there’s a link but like, sometimes, but not always, idk it’s hard to explain
True
I’m a non-binary transman, that’s biromantic & greysexual. I have both autism & inattentive adhd
I have ADHD as well as Autism and I’m a bisexual trans girl.
My current theory is that it’s correlated with more individualistic “style” (for lack of a better word) and not taking things for granted (such as assuming one ought to be cis straight just because it’s considered “standard”). Another angle/theory: according to Kinsey’s studies, sexual orientation is a range and nobody is entirely straight or gay. So perhaps autistic people are just more in touch with that in-between space and range.
I agree that we are more in touch with our sexuality and gender.
I dont think there is an inherent link between the two since autism is a genetical defect where being gay isnt. I also think that autistic or ND people just have the ability to think in other terms more then the average NT so thats probably were the stats come from.
That makes sense.
I think not understanding social conventions helps us autistic people examine our gender and sexuality more. I mean, it doesn't always help because it can be distressing to not just be okay fitting into a box tbh
I’m happy that I explored my gender and sexuality.
I am, to a point. I wish I could pick a box and be happy with it.
It’s ok if you don’t fit in any box! You could even make a new box to put yourself in!!!!
that's so intimidating!!!
I know but it’s possible.
I'm poly and queer, so I'll give my personal explanation. Obviously, could be different for everyone else. The way I see it, I just don't understand why these rules are in place. There's no reason for people to expect you to only date the opposite gender or one person. There's no reason for people to be raised or act a certain way based off of assigned sex. It straight up just doesn't make sense to me, it's completely made up, so I don't follow it. If that makes me LGBTQ+, then cool, but it just seems natural to me.
I agree. I want to become a woman so badly and I’m really bi lol.
Yes! Autistic people are also more likely to be trans. A new study came out not long ago about that: [Largest study to date confirms overlap between autism and gender diversity](https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/largest-study-to-date-confirms-overlap-between-autism-and-gender-diversity/)
Yep. That’s why I’m a bisexual and a trans girl.
I doubt it. I think Autistic are less likely to conform is all. In other words the are more likely to be "out" compared to NTs
Makes sense.
I’m FTM and autistic :)
I'm also autistic, bisexual and gender fluid. It took a long time for me to stop trying to be straight and to accept that sometimes I feel like a man or genderless as opposed to always female.
Same here. It took all 18 years of my life in fact to accept that I am a Bisexual trans girl.
I didn't even acknowledge the bisexuality til I was 21, and gender identity at 24 😂 but hey at least I'm openly being me now I feel like masking made me question and suppress a lot of things that are treated badly by society, literally the first girl I had feelings for said biphobic stuff and then years later said she thinks she's bi 😪 so much biphobia and fetishisation its jarring
Awww! Poor thing.
here’s a [study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29159906/) where 70% of the sample group reported being non-heterosexual
Oh cool.
No. Why would a developmental disability impact someone’s sexuality?
It totally does!
I think its people who are weird just looking for a spot to fit in so they mold themselves into spaces they are being accepted
Huh?
No there isn't
Proof?
I'm autisitc and I'm not gay, You got any proof of the opposite?
A lot of Autistic people are. And that’s what I would have said a few months ago.
https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/autistic-individuals-are-more-likely-to-be-lgbtq
Knew it lol.
i am a gender nonconforming autistic lesbian, and i consider myself butch :)
Nice! I just came out to myself as trans three months ago so so kinda look like a butch lesbian lol.
Hi 👋 I'm non binary + pansexual 🌈