Neuroqueer: ADHD and Queerness

Human diversity is a vast and wonderful narrative that encompasses the greatness and obscurity of every unique individual. Whilst we are starting to understand just how varied the symptoms of ADHD can be for a child and adult, as well as a male and female, one area we have yet to cover is the intersection of neurodiversity and queerness. 

Identifying as neuroqueer can be viewed as a double-edged sword, as not only is the individual coming to terms with what their sexuality means to them, but also navigating their ADHD on top of this. Let’s take a look at the complex interplay between these identities, the difficulties that may arise, and also the superpowers that almost certainly come with it.

What Does the Term Neuroqueer Mean?

The term Neuroqueer is relatively new and is used to describe people who are both neurodivergent and queer. Being neuroqueer comes with a unique set of challenges that are faced by the community regularly, and even though the term may be relatively new, the overlap between LGBTQ+ and the ADHD community is not as rare as you would think.  

Dealing with Dual Stigma.

For those with ADHD, dealing with symptoms daily is tough. Feeling the signs of impulsivity when you need to be restrained, hyperactivity at the most inappropriate moments, and inattentiveness, when you need to pay attention, can all feel like personal failings, especially when the rest of society doesn’t fully understand your behaviours. Those identifying as queer have their struggles with experiencing rejection or judgement from others. Their identities are continuously used as pawns in social politics, and they face a daily fight for freedom due to anti-LGBTQ+ policies and legislation. Add these together and that’s where things become even more complicated.  

Mental Health Challenges for Neuroqueer Individuals

It will come as no surprise that neuroqueer individuals will more than likely suffer with their mental health. The stigma those with ADHD who are queer face can be relentless, from comments about your sexuality from friends or family members to being the object of a joke about how forgetful or spaced out you are, not to mention the difficulty in identifying as a certain gender but experiencing more ADHD symptoms of another gender. 

Being aware of your mental health is one of the most important things to those dealing with ADHD and queerness. Mental health is a common concern among the LGBTQ+ community, with 40% of those identifying as gay, lesbian, or bisexual reporting having a mental illness in the past year, not to mention 1 in 3 people diagnosed with ADHD report having depression or depressive episodes.

The heavy mental load neuroqueer individuals carry around with them daily, can make their mental health extremely fragile.

Neuroqueer Superpowers

These depths of adversity are usually where strength and resilience are found, and it is no wonder those facing the challenges of being queer and having ADHD have amazing strengths and superpowers. The hyperfocus associated with ADHD can be a powerful tool for advocacy, creative expression, and queer resilience, and the ability to navigate diverse social landscapes contributes to a unique set of skills that enrich both personal and collective experiences.

Self-acceptance is another benefit that comes along with being queer and having ADHD. Although the road to self-love and self-acceptance is particularly hard for these individuals, it can be incredibly liberating to fully understand and celebrate those parts of yourself that are deemed “not acceptable” by society.

Beyond: A Private ADHD Clinic in Manchester

Neuroqueer individuals can learn to thrive in the face of adversity and while dealing with the dual stigma of being neurodivergent and queer can undoubtedly be hard, it is important to remember it is entirely possible to carve out a life that celebrates every part of your identity.

Beyond is a private ADHD clinic in Manchester, founded by a team of people who have ADHD. We are a group of incredibly understanding and welcoming specialists’ psychiatrists and practitioners who strive to gain an understanding of you to help you through an ADHD assessment and diagnosis.

We put you at the heart of our health journey, so contact us today to see how we can help you.