What Is Neuroqueer?
Unmasking My Queer Identity
Happy Pride! In my recent conversation with
(she/they) (of Neurodivergent Insights), I learned the term “Neuroqueer” and I realized it deserved its own moment.Neuroqueer is a term coined by Dr. Nick Walker (she/her). It means undoing neuronormative and heteronormative conditioning, challenging cultural expectations, and creating space to embody your full, authentic self.
For me, unmasking my autism and my queerness are one and the same. While I came out late, in my 30’s, that moment was the start of my unmasking process. It’s a fixed moment in time that allowed me to later understand I was autistic and have ADHD. Being able to come out and unmask required a sense of safety and a grieving process. They both also require community.
In this episode, I go through the definition of Neuroqueering what understanding it brings up for me. Then I re-play that part of my conversation with Dr. Neff.
What it means to neuroqueer
How identity suppression leads to burnout
Why unmasking is both emotional and liberating
The importance of community and permission in healing
Why neurodivergent joy and queer joy are not separate
For me, unmasking isn’t all-or-nothing. It’s taken a lot of processing time. I’m still learning, still peeling back layers, and still finding language for this ever-evolving experience.
👉 Listen in and let me know what resonates for you.
🎧 Prefer to listen? Check out the podcast here:
If this topic speaks to you, I’d love to hear from you in the comments—and if you’d like me to keep exploring the intersection of queerness and neurodivergence, let me know.
🔗 Related Links:
Full interview with Dr. Megan Anna Neff:
**📚 Links Mentioned:**
- Order Dr. Neff's **Autistic Burnout Workbook**:
-Order Dr. Neff's Self Care for Autistic People:
📖 Dr Neff’s Substack:
