June is Pride Month and we want to celebrate some of the remarkable individuals from the LGBTQ+ community on the autism spectrum.
These individuals inspire countless others through their advocacy, creativity, and authenticity. From pioneering politicians and groundbreaking comedians to influential writers and talented performers, each of these individuals brings unique perspectives and invaluable contributions to both communities.
Jessica Benham
A trailblazing advocate and politician, Jessica Benham is one of the first openly bisexual members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. She is also Pennsylvania’s first-ever state representative with autism and one of the few neurodivergent legislators nationwide. Benham’s work in public service champions the rights of disabled individuals and the LGBTQ+ community. Her advocacy focuses on healthcare, education, and disability rights. Benham strives to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Bethany Black
As one of the first openly transgender performers in the UK, Bethany Black is a pioneering comedian and actress breaking barriers. Black’s candid humor and compelling storytelling offer visibility and validation to the LGBTQ+ community. Her openness about her experiences as a transgender woman not only entertains but also educates and fosters understanding. In 2018, Black was diagnosed with autism, ADHD, OCD, and agoraphobia.
Lydia X. Z. Brown
Lydia X. Z. Brown is a queer, non-binary, advocate, writer, and attorney on the autism spectrum. Brown’s work focuses on disability justice and the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality. As a tireless advocate for the rights of disabled individuals, particularly those within the LGBTQ+ community, Brown has made significant strides in promoting inclusivity and equity. Their writings and activism challenge societal norms and inspire systemic change, providing a voice for those often marginalized. Brown has been Recognized as a Top 30 Thinkers Under 30 in the Social Sciences by Pacific Standard, was honored by the Obama White House as a Champion of Change for embodying the next generation of leadership within the disability community, named to the Gold House Foundation’s A100 List of the Most Impactful Asians and Asian Pacific Islanders in Culture, and more!
Corinne Duyvis
Corinne Duyvis is a Dutch author and advocate who has made significant contributions to the representation of neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ characters in literature. Duyvis is the creator of the #OwnVoices movement, which promotes books written by authors from marginalized groups about their own experiences, and the co-founder and editor of Disability in Kidlit. Her novels, such as On the Edge of Gone, offer nuanced and authentic portrayals of diverse characters, providing much-needed visibility and understanding.
Tee Franklin
Tee Franklin is an acclaimed comic book writer and advocate. Some of Franklin’s most well-known work includes Bingo Love; Harley Quinn: The Animated Series: The Eat. Bang! Kill. Tour; Harley Quinn: The Animated Series: Legion of Bats!; and Edge of Spider-Verse #4. As a fan of comics and a queer, disabled Black woman, Franklin realized how hard it was to find a comic with characters she could relate to. Because of that, she strives to bring diverse and authentic LGBTQ+ stories to the forefront.
Hannah Gadsby
Best known for her Netflix special Nanette, Hannah Gadsby’s groundbreaking comedy has reshaped the landscape of stand-up. Gadsby bravely shares her experiences as a queer woman, addressing complex topics such as trauma, identity, and societal expectations with honesty and wit. Her unique voice and storytelling have not only garnered critical acclaim but also sparked important conversations about mental health and LGBTQ+ issues. Although Gadsby always knew there was something different about her, she did not receive her autism diagnosis until 2016.
Wentworth Miller
Wentworth Miller is an acclaimed actor and advocate. Well-known for his role in Prison Break, Miller publicly came out as gay in 2013. Miller has been open about his struggles with depression and works to raise awareness about both mental health and LGBTQ+ issues. In 2021 he publicly announced that he had received an autism diagnosis the year prior.
Sheldon Riley
Sheldon Riley is an Australian singer and performer known for his powerful voice and striking performances. Diagnosed with autism at 6 years old, Riley was told he “wouldn’t be able to execute [himself] as a normal functioning human being, to get work or have friends or have a partner.” Today Riley uses his platform to advocate for greater representation and acceptance within both the LGBTQ+ and autism communities. His participation in shows like The Voice Australia and the Eurovision Song Contest have not only showcased his extraordinary talent but his commitment to authenticity and self-expression.
Chrysanthe Tan
Chrysanthe Tan is a queer composer, violinist, and multidisciplinary artist on the autism spectrum. Tan’s work incorporates spoken word, looping pedals, sleepy voice memos, hints of Greek folk music, nostalgic Cambodian pop, cat cameos, electronic sampling, sensory soothing, and a healthy dose of oversharing. In 2018, Tan was named 1 of 10 Contemporary LGBTQ Composers You Should Know by Arts Boston.
Josh Thomas
Josh Thomas is an Australian comedian, writer, and actor known for his groundbreaking work in television. As the creator and star of the acclaimed series Please Like Me and Everything’s Gonna Be Okay, Thomas brings authentic and heartfelt representation of LGBTQ+ characters to the screen. His storytelling often explores themes of mental health, relationships, and identity with humor and sensitivity. Thomas received his autism diagnosis while working on his show Everything is Gonna Be Okay.
