News from Bromley Mencap

A row of colourful paper-cut figures in rainbow colours on a dark background, including people with different disabilities (such as a person using a wheelchair and a person using a cane). Text in the bottom right reads: “LGBTQ+ and disability”

LGBTQ+ and disability

Jan 31, 2026

Understanding intersectionality and inclusive support

February is LGBTQ+ History Month, a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ identities and highlight the importance of inclusion, understanding and support. Some people are both disabled and LGBTQ+. People also have many other parts to their identity (for example their race, gender, faith, age or caring responsibilities), and these can overlap and shape their experiences. This is often described as intersectionality. In simple terms, it means that different parts of a person’s identity overlap and can affect how they experience the world.

For example, a disabled LGBTQ+ person may face:

barriers linked to disability, such as access needs or lack of understanding,
discrimination linked to sexual orientation or gender identity,
and additional challenges where these experiences overlap.

These combined barriers can affect everyday life, including mental health, feeling safe and accepted, access to education and healthcare, and relationships with family, peers and professionals.

Shared experiences, different needs

Disabled LGBTQ+ people are not one group. Experiences vary widely depending on someone’s disability, identity, age and environment.

However, research and lived experience show that many disabled LGBTQ+ people share common challenges, including:

higher levels of stress, anxiety or poor mental health,
fear of discrimination or being misunderstood,
difficulty finding services that feel both accessible and inclusive,
feeling overlooked within either LGBTQ+ spaces or disability spaces.

Feeling a sense of belonging, being listened to, and having access to the right support can make a significant difference.

About the information on this page

Much of the available research focuses on the experiences of autistic LGBTQ+ individuals, and this is reflected in some of the information shared below.

These insights are important and help highlight how disability, identity and inclusion can interact. Bromley Mencap is a pan-disability charity, and we recognise that disabled LGBTQ+ people across a wide range of experiences may face similar barriers and deserve inclusive, accessible support.

Autistic LGBTQ+ individuals: experiences and support

This section was written by Sarah Clark, Specialist Family Support Worker, and reflects her experience and research working with autistic individuals and their families.

Identifying as young, autistic and LGBTQ+ has often been overlooked. Research suggests that autistic individuals are more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ than non-autistic individuals.

Some autistic LGBTQ+ individuals may experience additional challenges linked to:

social communication differences,
sensory sensitivities,
difficulties with change or uncertainty,
masking or hiding parts of their identity to feel safe or accepted.

Autistic LGBTQ+ individuals may also be at increased risk of mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression and low self-esteem, particularly where they experience discrimination, misunderstanding or a lack of appropriate support.

Understanding the LGBTQ+ umbrella

LGBTQ+ is an umbrella term used by people who identify as:

lesbian,
gay,
bisexual,
transgender,
queer or questioning,
and other related identities.

Gender identity and sexual orientation are different aspects of who someone is. Autistic individuals, like everyone else, may explore and understand these parts of themselves over time.

Things that may help to be aware of

Autistic LGBTQ+ individuals may:

experience heightened anxiety around social situations or disclosure,
struggle with environments that are loud, unpredictable or overwhelming,
find labels and identity exploration both helpful and challenging,
worry about being accepted by peers, family or professionals,
have difficulty accessing spaces that feel both autism-friendly and LGBTQ+-inclusive.

How you can offer support

Support does not need to be complex. Helpful approaches may include:

listening without judgement and allowing people to explore identity at their own pace,
using respectful and inclusive language,
avoiding assumptions about identity or experience,
providing clear, accessible information,
offering predictable routines and safe spaces,
recognising sensory needs and making reasonable adjustments.

Feeling believed, respected and supported can have a significant positive impact.

Further information and support

The organisations below offer specialist information and support for LGBTQ+ people, autistic individuals, and families. Bromley Mencap does not run these services but shares them for information.

Local support (Bromley and nearby)

Life Gets Better Together (Bromley, Croydon and Surrey) – 18+
A consortium providing LGBTQ+ support services, including wellbeing and community support.
https://www.consortium.lgbt/member-directory/life-gets-better-together/

METRO Charity – SNAP
Support for LGBTQ+ children and young people, including those who are autistic or neurodivergent.
https://metrocharity.org.uk/young-people/metro-snap/

METRO Charity – Zest
A youth group for LGBTQ+ people aged 16–25 in Bromley.
https://metrocharity.org.uk/young-people/metro-zest/

PRYZM LGBTQA+ – CASPA Bromley – 14+
A safe, supportive group for LGBTQIA+ autistic young people.
https://www.caspa.org.uk/pryzm-lgbtqa/

National and online support

Stonewall – Disabled and neurodivergent LGBTQ+ people
Information and resources for disabled and neurodivergent LGBTQ+ people.
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/disabled-and-neurodivergent-lgbtq-people

National Autistic Society – LGBTQ+ Online Branch
An online community for autistic LGBTQ+ people to connect and support one another.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAS-lgbtq-Online-Branch-100212775721915
Email: lgbtqplus.onlinebranch@nas.org.uk

The BeYou Project – Porchlight
Meet-ups and support for LGBTQ+ people, including those who are neurodivergent.
https://www.porchlight.org.uk/services/the-beyou-project/

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
Confidential listening support for LGBTQ+ people.
https://switchboard.lgbt/get-support/

Articles and resources

The articles and resources below offer further information about the experiences of LGBTQ+ disabled people, including autistic individuals. They are shared for learning and awareness.

Understanding LGBTQ+ and disability

Stonewall – Disabled and neurodivergent LGBTQ+ people
Explores experiences, barriers and inclusion needs.
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/disabled-and-neurodivergent-lgbtq-people

Disability Rights UK – Being LGBTQ+ and disabled
An overview of identity, rights and lived experience.
https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/news/being-lgbtq-and-disabled-where-identities-meet

Autism and LGBTQ+ identity

National Autistic Society – Autism and gender identity
Information for autistic individuals, families and professionals.
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/identity/gender-identity

National Autistic Society – Autism and sexuality
Guidance on sexuality, relationships and identity.
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/identity/sexuality

Ambitious about Autism – LGBTQ+ and autism
Explores identity, wellbeing and inclusion for autistic LGBTQ+ young people.
https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/information-about-autism/identity/lgbtq