Forums » Smalltalk » AMA: 8+ Years as Disabled and Trans/Queer

'Eyo! I wasn't sure what to put as the topic starter since there's a few things I have unique experience in, but being multiply marginalized as a person is definitely something I can explain to those curious.

• I have Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH, previously called Pseudo-Tumor Cerebri). I've had both eye and brain surgery for it.
  
• I have/am ADHD (diagnosed age 6 in 1996) and very likely autistic (not tested, but deemed likely by mental health professionals).
  
• I have pretty severe chronic migraines, for which I am legally declared disabled. The process of getting disability is a trip, I'll tell ya. What I have is considered an "invisible disability" - pros and cons exist for that label.
  
• In 2016 I came out as trans (he/they) to family and friends right before moving from suburban Miami, Florida, to a small rural town in Tennessee. :^)
  
• My gender journey took me from originally believing I was genderfluid, to entirely binary male, to nonbinary male (demiboy). I prefer to be called "demimale" or "demidude" however.
  
• Though gender and orientation are not bound to one another, I also explored the latter and went from "straight cis female" to "panromantic gay trans demidude." I also consider myself on the asexual spectrum (aceflux). All that is usually condensed into "I'm queer" for brevity and simplicity.
  
• Yes, I've had "top surgery"/a double mastectomy. No, I'm not currently taking testosterone, sadly.

I have no questions but would like to say that I love you and you are very awesome and I'm proud of you and to be your fren :>

D'aw, I love you too, buddy!

I don’t have any questions, but I wanted you to know that I see you and deeply respect your strength. You’re not just getting through everything life has thrown your way. You’re thriving, and that’s something to be proud of.

I also don't really have questions, I guess... But I did want to send some good vibes and a virtual hug (if you want it.)

Thank you. It's hard a lot of the time, but I know I have people in my corner.

Thanks! I will take the vibes and hug!