Coming Out: Understanding Gender Identity

Having a child come out is a moment, no matter how social media paints this picture.

It was for me, anyway.

When our youngest son told us he was gay about two years ago, it made me pause. I was not exactly surprised - and everyone who had ever met him said they knew instantly - but I needed to absorb it on the maternal level.

Yes, we accepted him. Yes, we love him. Yes, we gave him time and space to be exactly who he is.

But there is still a breath of air I exhaled, thinking of all the ways in which his life may contain more challenges.

How does this relate to autism?

Research suggests that young adults with autism often gravitate to the LGBTQIA community because it is very welcoming.