Resources for autistic women
On the second Tuesday of every month from 5:30pm-6:30pm, we run our Women-Aligned Group on Zoom. It is for autistic women and femme-aligned non-binary adults (aged 18 and over) living in the Leeds area. Find out more about how to join on our Online Groups page.
The National Autistic Society have an article about gender identity and autism. You can read it here: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism/autism-and-gender-identity
The Curly Hair Project has a series of books about what it’s like to be an autistic woman. Visit the Curly Hair Project website to find out more: https://thegirlwiththecurlyhair.co.uk/
The Autism Women and Non-Binary Network is an organisation run by autistic women and non-binary people. They are based in the US and have a blog full of posts by autistic women and non-binary people. Here is a link to their website: https://autismwomensnetwork.org/
Recommended reading:
Local groups/services for women and girls
- Leeds Women’s Aid – domestic violence and abuse support for women in Leeds: https://leedswomensaid.co.uk/
- Women Friendly Leeds – Women’s Lives Leeds and Leeds Women’s and Girls’ Hubs are working towards a city that is better for women, better for everyone: https://womenfriendlyleeds.org/
- Together Women – they have a range of services for women in Leeds, including one-to-one support: https://togetherwomen.org/leeds/
Resources for LGBTQI+ autistic people
- Yorkshire MESMAC are a sexual health charity with offices in Leeds. You can find out about what they do here: https://www.mesmac.co.uk/
- TransLeeds are a support group for transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people. They run two groups a month and regular social events. Visit their website for more info: https://transleeds.org/
Local LGBTQI+-specific services:
- Leeds Gender Identity Service – this is run by the Leeds and York Partnership Foundation Trust (LYPFT). It is for anyone aged 18 and over who is experiencing gender dysphoria. Visit https://www.leedsandyorkpft.nhs.uk/our-services/services-list/gender-identity-service/ for more information about what they can do for you
- Leeds Gender Outreach Workers – they host a range of drop-in sessions, support and social sessions for transgender and non-binary people in Leeds. Visit https://en-gb.facebook.com/LeedsGenderOutreachWorkers/ for more information
Autism and LGBTQIA* resources:
- Gender dysphoria and autism – an article on Network Autism by Wenn Lawson
- LGBTQ+ and Neurodivergent – Our Stories: A video by Leeds Autism AIM from 2020
- Neurodivergent Rebel – Autistic NeuroDivergent and LGBTQIA+ – Is there a Connection?
- I’m an autistic lesbian – a piece on BuzzFeed by Lauren Harsh
- What it’s like to be queer and autistic – a piece on Queerty by Benji Douglas
- Autistic Sexuality: Exploring the Social Context – a slideshow by Dr Gill Loomes-Quinn
