Intersectional expansiveness borne at the neuroqueer nexus

ABSTRACT

This article is crafted to unpack the methodological, epistemological, and ethical modes of inquiry embedded in a participatory, multi-method, intergenerational survey of/by/for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and two-spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) youth from across the United States. We write alongside a racially diverse and inclusive sample of over 1,800 young people who participated in a national survey and referenced themselves as ‘queer’ and ‘neurodiverse’ in open-ended responses. This qualitative deep dive into the lives of neuroqueer youth presents back their narratives of struggle and desire through an intersectional lens attentive to multiple interlocking systems of oppression and resistance. We write to reflect the expansiveness of this community and their strategies to break free from normativity and binary expectations of gender, sexuality, and ability that are constraining all people. We illustrate how neuroqueer youth operate in ways that are multi-scalar with struggles that are deeply personal, embodied, and political. Their existential desires to be recognised as ‘me’ and get through the day are often met with solidarity activisms that confront intersectional injustices, both in-person and online.

KEYWORDS:

• Critical Participatory Action Research
• neuroqueer
• lgbtqia2s+
• neurodiversity
• youth
• intersectionality

Disclosure statement

We have no conflict of interest to disclose

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Austin Gerhard Oswald

Austin G. Oswald is a PhD candidate in Social Welfare at the CUNY Graduate Center who is committed to community-based research for queer, disability, and racial liberation across the life course.

Shéár Avory

Shéár Avory is a national social justice advocate committed to the advancement of social, economic, racial, gender, and disability justice and the empowerment of young people.

Michelle Fine

Michelle Fine is a distinguished professor of Critical Psychology, Women’s Studies, American Studies, and Urban Education and also the Co-Founder of the Public Science Project at the CUNY Graduate Center. She has over 20 years of experience engaging in participatory action research projects committed to the goals of social justice.