Navigating the Intersection of Neurodiversity and Queerness

I’m Eli (they/them) 🤠 and Queer Space Travel began as part of my own journey—navigating the world as a mixed, queer, trans, non-binary and neurodivergent person. Figuring out how my identities simultaneously intersect and somehow, still, consistently and constantly evolve—has been a complex process. Finding safe, welcoming spaces where I could just be has always been vital.

The Intersection of Queerness and Neurodiversity

Existing at the intersection of queerness and neurodiversity means navigating two parallel paths, each with its own obstacles, grief mountains, and moment’s of profound life-shifting clarity. Queer and trans folks are already forced to exist outside societal norms, and being neurodivergent adds a full-spectrum of otherness to that. While I’m still on the path toward a formal autism diagnosis, living with both ADHD and autism has given me a unique perspective on how I communicate, connect, and engage with the world.

For a long time, I lived in Texas, where queer and trans communities thrive, despite everything being stacked against us. The queer community in Texas is vibrant, beautiful, and resilient. I am so deeply grateful for the organizers, performers, and nonprofits that create spaces for community to connect and care for one another. It’s those spaces that make all the difference when the outside world is hostile.

And Texas is hostile. Living there came with immense emotional tolls. Transphobic legislation continually criminalizing trans care providers, vilifying loving parents who support their trans children, and pushing harmful anti-trans policies statewide. It was devastating to witness, and terrifying to imagine what could come next. They just don’t like us. And it all chipped away at the mental health of everyone around me. The grief of your home turning against you in such tangible, violent ways is a grief that’s hard to describe. Texas Republicans hate trans people. And they make it hard for Trans people to keep living there. So I moved.

Building Community, One Step at a Time

At the end of the day, building trans community is what matters most to me. Because it is hard, y’all. While I 100% know being Trans is absolutely the coolest-I know there’s a lot of sadness too, always.

That’s why I want to create spaces where others like me—queer, trans, neurodivergent—can find connection and belong. It’s not always easy, but community is worth it. And that’s what Queer Space Travel is about: creating space, building community, and ensuring that no one has to navigate this weird, wacky, wonderful world alone. Cause you’re not. High key, everybody gay & everywhere is queer.