What is Neuroqueerz?

Our purpose is to foster an inclusive space where our community feels valued, supported and connected. Our platform is dedicated to the wellness, empowerment and belonging of the neuroqueer community.

What we stand for

Wellness

We understand the unique challenges the neuroqueer community faces regarding mental health and emotional wellbeing. We are focused to the holistic wellness of our members and community and strive to provide valuable resources, educational content, and support systems. Our platform offers a variety of tools including articles, guides and interactive sessions designed to promote self-care, resilience, and positive mental health practices. We hope our support helps our community protect their wellbeing and thrive in their everyday lives.

Empowerment

Empowerment is at the heart of what we do. We aim to inspire the neuroqueer community to embrace their identities, indifferences and realise their full potential. Through workshops, safe spaces, podcasts, mentorship opportunities, expert guidance and peer support, Neuroqueerz aims to cultivate confidence and advocacy skills. We encourage our community and our allies to share their stories and lived experiences, displaying their inspiring courage so others feel they are able to take control and charge of their paths in life. Every voice matters, and we are here to amplify each voice.

Belonging

In this changing and uncertain world, we believe it is vital for our community to feel a sense of belonging. At Neuroqueerz, we foster and inclusive environment where everyone is welcome to connect, share and find their place. We envision a community where individuals realise they are valued, supported and part of something larger. By celebrating and embracing our diverse experiences and shared history, we create a safe space that nurtures mutual respect and understanding. All our members contribute to our vibrant network giving a sense of endorsement and recognition to our community that they truly belong in this fast-paced and changing planet.

Neuroqueerz has a goal to ensure Wellness, Empowerment and Belonging becomes reality for our community.

Meet the Team

Luke

I was diagnosed with mild ASD aged 7, PTSD in my late 20s and ADHD aged 33. As a neuroqueer person, throughout my life I have battled and experienced endless harassment, discrimination and inequalities that makes me realise how unjust our society can be towards minorities and vulnerable groups. From my lived experience, I realise how life can be changed for the better (overwhelmingly) with adequate support.

As a teenager, I was very ambitious, with vivid yet achievable dreams but since leaving school, I often feel my dedication and hard work I invested went to waste and I used to think why did I even bother? Why didn’t I skive from school everyday? Why didn’t I deliberately get myself expelled from school so at least I could tell the arrogant teachers to f**k off?

After being underestimated, overlooked, and settled for second best in too many social and work environments, one positive thing that has come from bad experiences is my knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 – I’ll say no more hah!

I have also fought off demons throughout my life and come to terms with my alcohol dependency and addressing the state of my mental health which has given me the resilience I thought I never had. I was drinking up to 2 bottles of wine per day without reason. I knew this was becoming a problem yet I didn’t fight it for such a lengthy period.

Although I was happy and grateful for the current state of where my life was, I recently started engaging with CGL and the LGBT Foundation as I knew something didn’t feel quite right. After many 1-1 sessions with a recovery worker, there was 1 particular meeting that changed everything and I suddenly stopped the urge to reward myself with an alcoholic beverage and that I need to reward myself with self-care. I’m not ashamed, it’s another thing to embrace!

Another thing I take pride in is my self-determination when I say I am going to achieve something. An example of this was the completion and launch of my self-published fitness book (and there was no AI involved!). Despite endless setbacks and delays, this was eventually achieved and by far my proudest accomplishment and the biggest milestone of my life.

My ADHD diagnosis came not only as a relief but also made sense. Prior to this I was used to labels and patronising catchphrases such as ‘you have autism you need routine’ and ‘you can’t multitask’. The honest truth is that I generally don’t like routine, I easily get fed up and meh with repetitiveness. Without incentives and the reward of doing something I am passionate about, that is when I really struggle. Impulsivity and burnout are big parts of my neurodiversity that impacts my day-to-day living. I often spend impulsively which I am responsible for but it’s not just about spending, it’s about working excessive hours to fund the impulsive spending lifestyle whilst neglecting my health and wellbeing, not saving for necessities and working until I crash and burn out!

What has inspired me to start Neuroqueerz is how there is a need for this.

Our Inspiration for Progression

Here at Neuroqueerz, the connection between neurodivergence and LGBTQIA+ identities serves as a powerful source of inspiration for us, our community and our allies.

By highlighting the unique experiences, we aim to create a progressive space that champions individuality and celebrates diversity and our achievements, encouraging us to embrace our identities and reach their fullest potential.

We appreciate the importance of acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced by Neurodivergent individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community, and why we need to be Progressive, in a nutshell – here for a good time AND a long time. By providing a supportive environment where members can share their experiences and aspirations, we hope to create a sense of belonging and understanding.