Safe space and support
PBSC and Achieve Together, Brighton collaborates on the importance of forwarding the gender diversity agenda.
PBSC are fortunate to be working with one of Achieve Together’s outreach services in Brighton: High Street Brighton. They are a specialist service providing support and advocacy for clients living in the local community who are diagnosed with a learning disability, autism, and/or mental health issues. They provide a safe space and support for individuals identifying as gender questioning, non-binary and trans through advocacy, partnership, and dialogue.
Support is especially critical for this intersectional population as emerging research shows that Autistic people are statistically more likely to identify as gender-questioning, non-binary, or trans. A recent study from the University of Cambridge (2022) stated that “…gender-diverse adults are three to six times more likely as cisgender adults (individuals whose gender identity corresponds to their sex assigned at birth) to be diagnosed as autistic.” Whilst there is no specific research as to why this is the case, there are links to different relationships with social conditioning and constructs as compared to preconceived societal norms common to neurotypical groups (Walsh, Krabbendam, Dewinter & Bergeer, 2018; Warrier et al., 2020) (i.e.: Autistic people may not be as susceptible to societal pressures to conform to cis-hetero gender norms and, therefore, may be more open to and accepting of gender fluidity).
Ella Meffan, one of the team leaders at High Street Brighton, sets an excellent example of supporting gender-affirming opportunities and resources. This is something that is seen consistently throughout their staff team working with clients in the community. From sourcing gender-affirming clothing to pursuing additional bespoke training for staff to upskill them in the challenges the gender-diverse community face, Ella and the team set the precedence for us all to be open and inclusive.
We here at PBSC have been able to support and grow our commitment to the gender-diverse community and are constantly learning through this collaboration with High Street Brighton. We know that it is more important than ever to support and advocate for our LGBTQ+ clients and are dedicated to ensuring they feel supported and safe.
References
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Walsh, R.J., Krabbendam, L., Dewinter, J., Begeer, S. (2018). Brief report: Gender identity differences in Autistic adults: Associations with perceptual and socio-cognitive profiles. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48(12), 4070-4078.
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Warrier, V., Greenberg, D.M., Weir, E. et al. (2020). Elevated rates of autism, other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diagnoses, and autistic traits in transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Nature Communications, 11, 3959.
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University of Cambridge. (2022). Research: Transgender and gender-diverse individuals are more likely to be autistic or report higher autistic traits.