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"There are lots of ways to celebrate Pride. It doesn't have to be a parade full of people."

Char Bailey
- on celebrating Pride Month in her own way

Celebrating Pride Month with...Char Bailey

Happy Pride Month to all our supporters! To celebrate, we’re interviewing autistic members of the LGBTQ+ community.

To start things off, we chatted to Char Bailey. Char is an autistic advocate and coach. Here, she shares her experience of life on the autism spectrum, finding fellow autistic people in the LGBTQ+ community, and celebrating Pride in her own way…

 


Will you be celebrating Pride this year?

Yes absolutely. I celebrate Pride every day!

balloon and flag icons


How do you find Pride events in general?

I find Pride events a little overwhelming if I’m honest. They generally are overcrowded, and people often bump into you. Most Pride events are loud too. It’s pretty much a sensory nightmare! But I love being able to find those quieter spots to soak up the energy.


Do you have any tips for LGBTQ+ autistic people who may find the events overwhelming or stressful, but would like to get involved?
 

I would say: think about what you’re good at and get involved. Every role counts and you never know who you might be able to help. There are lots of ways to celebrate Pride. It doesn’t have to be a parade full of people.

 

"There are lots of ways to celebrate Pride. It doesn’t have to be a parade full of people."


You’ve previously been involved with UK Black Pride. Could you tell us a bit more about this and what your role is?

My role is Education and Inclusion Officer. It’s really important to me to be able to share what I’ve learned with the community.

UK Black Pride is happening online from 2-4 July 2021. This year's theme is 'Love and Rage.'


What is being an autistic member of the LGBTQ+ community like for you?

FUN. There are a lot of queer autistic people, so finding them in the community is fun. It can be isolating at times but I try to focus on the positives.


When were you diagnosed as autistic?

I was diagnosed in my late 20s, after being convinced by a previous partner that I should “look into it”. She noticed how specific I was about being touched, and how hyper-focused I can be. She also recognised my stimming.


What is being autistic like for you?

I guess it’s everything I love about myself and everything I have to overcome. I love the strengths being autistic gives me but I’m still spending lots of time navigating my limits. It’s like finding a comfy position to fall asleep in and the cold side of the pillow.

"I love the strengths being autistic gives me but I’m still spending lots of time navigating my limits."

How did you get involved with coaching and activism?

After a big burnout a few years ago, I quit my job and went to Thailand. It changed my life. I met people there who showed me how I could use my skills and passion and haven’t looked back since. I realised after a lot of soul searching that the “purpose” felt bigger than the “person” and I’ve been committed to living a purposeful life since.

Stories from the Spectrum are a place to share different experiences and viewpoints. Opinions expressed are those of the person sharing their story, and this does not indicate they are the views of the National Autistic Society.

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