ADHD and Queerness: Untangling the Overlap

Host and therapist Renae Johnson (they/them) sits down with siblings Mikey Whited, Psych NP (they/them), and Jennie Larsen, ADHD Coach and Teacher (she/her), for an honest look at what it’s like to grow up with ADHD side by side. Together they share stories of navigating childhood, the different ways ADHD showed up for each of them, and what it was like to watch each other’s journeys unfold. From masking and stimming to the ways gender expectations shaped their experiences, this episode explores the challenges and gifts of ADHD through a personal, family lens.TakeawaysADHD can present differently based on gender and upbringing.Stimming is a common behavior in ADHD that helps with focus.Emotional regulation is a significant challenge for those with ADHD.There is a higher prevalence of ADHD in the queer community.Masking can lead to a loss of authenticity and self-identity.ADHD can often be misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression.Cultural perspectives greatly influence the understanding of ADHD.Positive traits of ADHD include creativity and spontaneity.Understanding brain chemistry is crucial for managing ADHD.Personal experiences with ADHD can vary widely, even within families.Mentioned in this Episode: K-pop Demon Hunters – “Golden” Queer Moment of Joy Guest 1: Brandon Delsid @brandondelsidQueer Moment of Joy Guest 2: Emily Baker she/they @you.joylifeGuest Bio : Jennie Larsen, MA (she/her), is an education specialist working in San Jose, CA. She holds an elementary and a special education credential and has a masters in education leadership. Jennie is also an executive function coach. Her passion is making education accessible for all students, with focuses in phonics and executive functioning skills. Mikey Whited RN, MSN, PMHNP-BC (they/them) is a psychiatric nurse practitioner working in Los Angeles, California. Mikey specializes in queer and trans psychiatric medication and mental health care for adults and older teens. Mikey is passionate about changing the psychiatry paradigm and providing quality medication education and care for clients in a way that will ACTUALLY work to help clients achieve their lifestyle goals.Host Bio: Renae Johnson, LPCC, ATR-BC (they/them) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and the Founder of Open Space Therapy Collective, a group practice offering affirming, social justice-driven mental health care for the LGBTQ+ & QTPOC community. With clinical expertise in complex trauma, identity development, and creative expression, Renae blends therapeutic depth with a commitment to equity and inclusion.In addition to their clinical work, Renae produces community wellness events like Queerly Connected and is a founding member of the LA Queer Coalition, creating spaces where queer and trans people can gather, heal, organize, and celebrate. As a speaker, consultant, and activist, Renae is passionate about building systems of care that honor the full humanity of queer and trans individuals—and equipping healthcare and wellness providers with the tools to do the same.To find more from us visit:Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.comInstagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisoutYouTube: @openspacetherapycollectiveKeywords: #ADHD#Neurodivergent#Neurospicy#Masking#Unmasking#EmotionalRegulation#Hyperfixation#QueerAndNeurodivergent#PositiveADHDTraits#ParentingWithADHD#DiagnosisJourney