Category: Gender

  • Understanding Microaggressions Faced by Trans Autistic Youth

    Understanding Microaggressions Faced by Trans Autistic Youth

    Trans autistic young people often face misunderstanding and stigma in healthcare and daily life, complicating access to gender-affirming care and support. They encounter microaggressions within both autistic and LGBTQIA+ communities, often feeling excluded. Online spaces provide crucial support and connection, enabling exploration of their identities while also posing risks. Listening and understanding are vital for…

  • Understanding Gender Creativity in Autistic Youth

    Understanding Gender Creativity in Autistic Youth

    This blog explores the complex relationship between gender identity and autism, highlighting how autistic young people often exhibit gender creativity that challenges traditional norms. Their unique social processing and sensory experiences encourage an authentic exploration of gender, leading to higher rates of transgender and gender-diverse identities among them. Support for this exploration is essential.

  • Initial Steps for Parents After a Child Comes Out as Trans

    Initial Steps for Parents After a Child Comes Out as Trans

    “My child just came out to me, what do I do?” I have been asked this question many times as a professional. For many of the families I work with I am the only openly queer person they know. My first piece of advice? Breathe, everything feels a little better after a deep breath, it…

  • How to Support Trans and Non-Binary Friends: An Ally’s Guide

    How to Support Trans and Non-Binary Friends: An Ally’s Guide

    This blog serves as a resource for allies of trans and non-binary individuals, emphasizing active learning about gender and allyship. It highlights the diverse experiences within the trans community, the importance of using correct pronouns, and encourages ongoing education. Misunderstandings are human, fostering respect and understanding in interactions is crucial.

  • Connecting Through Queer Academia: Highlights from Three Trans+ Conferences

    Connecting Through Queer Academia: Highlights from Three Trans+ Conferences

    I’ve been very lucky and honoured to share conference spaces and stages with so many amazing queer and trans academics in the last few months. I wanted to share my experiences of three conferences, the first three of many to come I am sure! Beyond Reflections: Trans+ Conference 15th May, Bournemouth University I was privileged…

  • Healing from the Gender Binary: A Call to Action for Allies

    Healing from the Gender Binary: A Call to Action for Allies

    The recent Supreme Court ruling has revealed strong support and unexpected silence regarding trans+ rights among my colleagues and friends. While some offer unwavering allyship, others remain disengaged, demanding emotional labor without acknowledgment of existing bigotry. True allyship requires rejecting harmful attitudes and addressing personal biases shaped by patriarchal systems.

  • Why Trans+ People Aren’t Here to Educate You

    Why Trans+ People Aren’t Here to Educate You

    The post emphasizes that women and marginalized genders (MaGes) are not obligated to manage the feelings of cis men or educate them on trans+ issues. It calls for respect of their boundaries and encourages men to seek resources independently, highlighting the importance of consent and advocating for active allyship without exploiting personal experiences.

  • Understanding the Supreme Court’s Definition of Womanhood

    Understanding the Supreme Court’s Definition of Womanhood

    On April 16, the UK Supreme Court defined “woman” biologically, limiting protections for trans women and marginalized communities. This decision perpetuates patriarchal norms, harming those who don’t conform to narrow gender definitions. Advocates urge collective action: supporting vulnerable groups, attending protests, and collaborating to combat state-endorsed violence and promote inclusivity.

  • Understanding the Gender Gap in Autism Diagnosis

    Understanding the Gender Gap in Autism Diagnosis

    The historical perception of autism as primarily a male condition has led to a significant diagnosis gap for women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. While theories like the Female Autism Phenotype have emerged, they often reinforce gender stereotypes and exclude marginalized groups, complicating access to support and erasing diverse autistic experiences.

  • 2024 in Review: Advocacy Work and Community Connections

    2024 in Review: Advocacy Work and Community Connections

    2024 was another very busy year for me and a very turbulent time for many of us worldwide. In the UK political violence towards transgender people, disabled people and other marginalised groups has continued to grow. The ban on puberty blockers for all transgender young people is the most recent attempt to bring us down.…