#5 - Neurodivergence, gender, and belonging w/ Vance

In Episode 5 of Autistic FM, we talk to Vance, a 19-year-old autistic, gay, trans man who’s navigating life in Brighton, England, while studying Psychology and Criminology. Vance shares his journey of self-discovery—from realizing he was neurodivergent after a thoughtless comment during an online gaming session to embracing his trans identity in the midst of pandemic-era introspection. We dive into the intersection of neurodivergence and identity, unpacking themes like masking, dysphoria, and the challenges of navigating relationships as a neurodivergent queer person. Vance shares the power of finding community in a house full of neurodivergent individuals, the joy of feeling seen and understood, and the necessity of safe, inclusive spaces. Topics included in this episode The unexpected moment that sparked Vance’s realization of his neurodivergence Why Vance is choosing not to pursue a formal autism diagnosis The interplay of neurodivergence and gender identity Navigating dysphoria and finding ways to feel more at home in his body How masking impacts relationships and daily life The role of community in fostering acceptance and connection Insights into being perceived accurately in relationships Note: You may notice some audio inconsistencies in this episode. We’re improving our recording setup to ensure better quality for future interviews—thanks for your patience! Trigger Warning: This episode discusses dysphoria, masking, and ableism. Subscribe to Autistic FM wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. If you enjoy the show, consider leaving a review—it helps more people discover our conversations!