A Young Person's Guide To Being Neurodivergent & LGBTQ+

Some people are neurodivergent. Some people are LGBTQ+. Some people are both.

Everyone is unique. Whether you’re LGBTQ+ or neurodivergent, both, or neither, the questions to ask yourself are the same…

What would help me to be able to be my authentic self? How am I going to live my best life?

You don’t have to meet other people’s expectations!

This leaflet for young people explores what that means and what it’s like to be neurodivergent and LGBTQ+. It contains a selection of information, experiences, advice and signposting to further support.

Don’t be afraid to get things wrong! Sometimes it takes us a long time to work out who we are, and that’s fine. It’s not a race. The important part is making sure that you have all the support you need to feel happy and able to thrive.

Sometimes information takes a few reads to sink in. Keep this leaflet safe and you can come back to it as many times as you need.

What's in your guide?

Inside A Young Person’s Guide To Being Neurodivergent & LGBTQ+, you’ll find lots of information and advice, from The Proud Trust and Greater Manchester Autism Consortium.

This includes…

What Does That Mean?

LGBTQ+ identities
Neurodivergent experiences

Gifts & Challenges

What are some of the challenges you face?
What advice would you give to other neurodivergent LGBTQ+ young people?
What is the best thing about being a neurodivergent LGBTQ+ person?

Making Our World More Inclusive

Top tips for being neurodivergent inclusive
Top tips for being LGBTQ+ inclusive
How can I support the neurodivergent LGBTQ+ people in my life?

People Like Us

Hannah Gadsby (they/them)
Bradley Riches (he/him)
Ly Xīnzhèn (they/them)
Tylan Grant (he/him)
Fern Brady (she/her)
Lucy Bronze (she/her)
Reneé Rapp (she/her)

Answering Your Questions

My teacher doesn’t believe I’m trans because I’m autistic. She says this because she read that autistic people are more likely to identify as trans. What do I tell her?
Do I need a diagnosis to be neurodivergent?
I’m non-binary but my family don’t understand. Is there an easy way to explain it to them?
I’ve heard people talking about masking. What is it, and is it a good thing or a bad thing?
Do I have to come out?
Is being LGBTQ+ linked to being neurodivergent?
Do I have to pick between being LGBTQ+ or being neurodivergent?