LGBTQ+ information and resources

Research about the intersection of sexuality and gender identity with autism, while a relatively new field, has uncovered meaningful findings about the experiences of autistic LGBTQ+ people. These findings can impact physical and mental health as well as social interactions for people on the spectrum.  

Some studies have suggested that more than double the percentage of autistic people identify as non-heterosexual than their neurotypical peers. Compared with straight, cisgender autistic adults, research has found that LGBTQ+ adults experience significant health disparities, including less access to services from medical providers. Given that autistic adults often have greater need for health services than neurotypical people, the community and the healthcare system need to come together to provide added support and remove barriers to appropriate care for LGBTQ+ autistic people. 

We also know that transgender and gender-diverse individuals are more likely to be diagnosed with autism and are more likely to have other mental health conditions like anxiety, depression and ADHD. These findings have a tremendous impact on health care and safety, as providers need to know to screen their autistic patients for these other conditions and social circumstances - including bullying and harassment - to make sure they get appropriate care. 

Below are resources for LGBTQ+ identifying autistics and their allies. 

The Trevor Project 

Saving LGBTQ Lives, The Trevor Project is a national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth. 

It Gets Better  

The It Gets Better Project’s mission is to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth around the globe. 

Human Rights Campaign 

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest LGBTQ advocacy group and LGBTQ political lobbying organization in the United States. 

National Center for Transgender Equality 

The National Center for Transgender Equality is the nation's leading social justice advocacy organization winning life-saving change for transgender people. 

GLSEN 

GLSEN is an American education organization working to end discrimination, harassment, and bullying based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression and to prompt LGBT cultural inclusion and awareness in K-12 schools. 

Trans Lifeline 

Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.