Why you so gay

Understanding the Intersection of Autism and LGBTQ+ Identity

Navigating Identity: Autism and LGBTQ+ Experiences Understanding and embracing one’s identity is a complex journey for many, but for LGBTQ+ individuals on the autism spectrum, it comes with unique challenges.

In this article, we’ll explore signs, questions to ask yourself, and helpful resources to navigate your feelings about being gay, lesbian, bi, pansexual, or any other identity within the LBGTQ+ community. It's okay to not have a label. It was gay.

It was a quick, harmless jab, like so many other verbal jabs of the time, but this one left internal bleeding that took far too long to heal.

I spent too long obsessing over the way I walked.

You might learn something new and feel better. Instead of reacting impulsively, consider using a calm and assertive response to stop the harmful language and educate the person about why it’s inappropriate.

This may not always be easy, especially when the words hit close to home. To her, this was just a common way to express bargaining for a lower price that had nothing to do with Judaism, but to Jewish people, it is a stubborn reminder of a harmful stereotype—that Jews are cheap, miserly, money-grubbing outsiders, not quite acceptable to the general population.

Microaggressions

The term “microaggression” was coined in 1970 by Chester M.

Pierce to “describe insults and dismissals he regularly witnessed non-black Americans inflict on African Americans." A microaggression is a largely unconscious indignity perpetrated through language or behavior that degrades socially marginalized groups. Often, people use harmful language without realizing its impact, and providing constructive feedback can help raise awareness.

Beyond reacting to phrases like "that's so gay," it's crucial to be mindful of our language in general.

It is the role that fits me. I heard you say it without knowing I was gay. It’s even worse for trans teens: 41 percent.

It doesn’t matter that kids become acclimated to harmful language. Wear a pride flag! They learn to bravely brush it off, try to pretend it is meaningless, that it doesn’t mean they are “other.” But the truth is, words and actions mean something.

I didn’t want to hurt anyone or be hurt.

I enjoyed reading books, sharing my emotions, and caring for others' emotions.

I know it is frowned upon in mainstream society now, but calling someone gay was just a common insult back then.

It is true that it was not always linked to sexuality, but that is where the negativity started. It was a clever way to equate gay to bad before kids were even old enough to understand sexuality.

I was old enough to understand though.

However, by the late 2000s, conversations began to emerge about the harm it caused, signaling a shift in how society viewed the language surrounding LGBTQ+ issues. It's part of your identity.

"You need to have experience to be sure." You don’t need to date or sleep with anyone to know your orientation—your feelings and attractions are valid on their own.

Take charge and make your own! Being intentional with our words helps create more respectful and inclusive spaces for everyone.

The Power of Mindful Language

When faced with situations where phrases like "that's so gay" are used, it’s easy to retreat or respond defensively without taking the time to address the issue thoughtfully.

We ask 7-year-old Noah if he wants to marry his kindergarten teacher when he grows up because he always wants to sit in front and be near her. While straight people are not part of the LGBTQ+ community, they play an important role as allies in supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. It's okay to not guess.

It’s okay to take your time answering these questions.

LGBT children and teenagers are little spies looking around to see if people are safe or dangerous or if the situation or environment they are in is safe or dangerous.