Identity is important to understanding yourself and what makes you, you! Your identity can be based on race, gender, ability, beliefs/religion or personality traits.
Research studies have found that people on the autism spectrum more likely than non-Autistic people to have diverse gender identity and sexual orientation.
In fact, research undertaken in 2020 at the University of Cambridge in the UK, found that Autistic people are three-to-six times more likely not to identify with the sex they were assigned to at birth.
Furthermore, a 2018 Australian study found that 22.5% of transgender adolescents had a diagnosis of autism, compared to 2.5% of all Australians, and the researchers estimate up to 25% of gender diverse people may also be Autistic.
In 2018, Aspect formed the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee to advise and educate Aspect staff on how to provide inclusive support for LGBTQIA+ Autistic people and to be a more inclusive organisation.
For example, Aspect provides informative resources, community support organisations and information about Autistic LGBTQIA+ people on its website.
This year marks the fourth year the Aspect autism and Autistic communities and staff will be marching in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
“Aspect is committed to active support of all people on the autism spectrum. This includes a large cohort of people living under the double rainbow intersection of both the disability and LGBTQIA+ communities.
“The fact that we can come together at Mardi Gras and can be in a place where we can feel included and proud, will for some, be the first time they may have felt this,” states Renee Christie, Aspect Inclusion Officer.
Past participants have expressed the fantastic experience and strong sense of community.
One participant said “It was a life and identity-affirming experience for me. I am Autistic, I love being Autistic and I love that there were others like me (as well as allies) that are the same in that regard and thought it worthy to advertise that fact to millions in the form of a parade.”
Additionally, Aspect will also participate in the Fair Day Stall, a colourful and diverse market where people can connect with the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Our participation increases disability awareness in the LGBTQIA+ community,” concludes Christie.
You can learn more about Aspect’s participation at Sydney Mardi Gras and how to march with us here.
Want to learn more about gender diversity and autism? Read Ruby’s story on finding her Autistic pride.
