Why Do You Think You’re More Likely to be Queer? Exploring Autistic Perspectives on the Intersection Between Autism and Sexual Minority Identities

Abstract

Autistic individuals are more likely to be sexual minorities (e.g., gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual). While several theories have been posited to explain this overlap, the voices of autistic sexual minorities are missing from this conversation. Moreover, there is limited qualitative research exploring the intersection between their dual identities. The co-creation of research by autistic sexual minorities is, therefore, an ethical imperative. This research used semi-structured interviews, facilitated by the shared lived experience of the lead researcher. Fourteen autistic sexual minorities were asked why they think they’re more likely to be sexual minorities and how they experience the intersection between their two identities. Reflexive thematic analysis identified four themes: (a) my identities are interconnected, for better or worse, (b) resisting the influence of social norms on sexual orientation, (c) the intersection between autism and a-spec (asexual and aromantic) identities and (d) being autistic within the LGBTQIA+ community. These findings validate intersectionality as a framework for understanding autistic sexual minority identities and suggest that an indifference to social norms is key to autistic sexual minority identities. Recommendations are provided to facilitate inclusive, LGBTQIA+ spaces and develop educational resources to help autistic sexual minorities navigate attraction, intimacy and consent. Lay Abstract Autistic people are more likely to be sexual minorities (e.g., gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual). Several theories have attempted to explain why this is; however, the actual voices of autistic sexual minorities are missing from this conversation. In addition, there is very little research exploring how their two identities intertwine. As such, a researcher who is part of this community interviewed 14 autistic sexual minority adults to find out why they think they’re more likely to be sexual minorities and how their autistic and sexual minority identities influence one another. Through analysing these conversations, four main themes were identified: (a) my identities are interconnected, for better or worse, (b) resisting the influence of social norms on sexual orientation, (c) the intersection between autism and a-spec (asexual and aromantic) identities and (d) being autistic within the LGBTQIA+ community. These findings suggest that autistic and sexual minority identities combine to produce a unique lived experience. Participants suggested that they may be more likely to be a sexual minority because they don’t care about following typical social norms. Recommendations are given to create more inclusive LGBTQIA+ spaces and develop educational tools to help autistic people navigate the complexities of attraction, intimacy and consent.