IDAHOBIT Day 2022
Today we here at Bryce Pace – Autism Advocate stand with our friends in the LGBTQI+ community against discrimination. For those of you who are unfamiliar with today’s significance today is IDAHOBIT Day which is a day dedicated to celebrating everything the LGBTQI+ community brings to this world while also taking a stand against the discrimination this community still faces througout the world. Today also marks 32 years since the day the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the International classification of ‘Diseases and Related Health Problems.’ 32 years since being gay or lesbian began to be recognised as a normal, natural and a healthy part of human diversity.
Many people are affected by discrimination based on their gender identity and/or sexual orientation including a large portion of the autism community. Studies have actually shown that people on the autism spectrum are more likely to identify as being LGBTQI+ than neurotypicals. Despite this evidence many people still believe the harmful stereotypes that all people on the autism spectrum are either asexual, meaning we are not interested in a physical relationship with someone, or that we are just confused when it comes to our gender identity. Yes, a lot of autistics do identify as asexual however, this does not mean people on the spectrum can’t identify as being heterosexual, gay, bisexual, pansexual or anything in between. Autistics are just like everyone else and should be treated with respect and understanding when they find themselves on the normal and natural journey of questioning their sexual and/or gender identities.
These misconceptions of autism and more broadly the disability community make it harder for people to not only explore their identity, but also express it publicly. Sex, sexuality and gender identity still seem to be very taboo subjects in relation to disability and I feel it is time for this to change. Why are these subjects considered ‘normal and natural’ for people without disabilities and taboo as soon as they are in reference to individuals with a disability? Currently due to this attitude there is a lack of autistic specific resources and services available to those who are questioning their identity leading individuals to either attempt to figure this stuff out on their own or to hide their true selves as their stories may differ from neurotypical LGBTQI+ individuals. There is very much a one service fits all attitude towards LGBTQI+ issues and this is leaving many individuals to fend for themselves. Yes these resources and services can assist many on the spectrum but not all as we all experience this journey differently.
Today we not only wanted to highlight the need for autism specific supports for those who find themselves on this journey of self discovery. We also want to encourage everyone to assist in changing the narrative when it comes to autism and sexual and gender identity. Today let’s dispel the myth that we are all asexual or we are not capable of understanding our gender identity and encourage the wider community to embrace the diversity of the autism spectrum.
Today Bryce Pace – Autism Advocate not only stands with our Autistic LGBTQI+ friends but also our friends in the wider LGBTQI+ community. We have come a long way in a short time however, we still have a long way to go until we live in a world that not only accepts and includes diverse communities but also embraces them. With all that in mind from all of us here at Bryce Pace -Autism Advocate we would like to wish everyone a happy and safe IDAHOBIT Day.
Bryce Pace
Autism consultant, Advocate, Speaker
#IDAHOBIT #LGBTQI #autism #autismacceptance