In this episode, OSTC therapist Allison Smith, LCSW (she/they), kicks off our new series on LGBTQ+ Neurodiversity by exploring what it really means to live at the intersection of queer and neurodivergent identities. From ADHD and autism to dyslexia and beyond, we dive into how neurodivergence shapes experiences, relationships, and access to care—while also celebrating the strengths, creativity, and resilience of neurodivergent folks.

We’ll cover the history of neurodiversity, the ways societal barriers create real challenges, and why shifting the conversation from “disorder” to difference is crucial. Allison highlights the dual minority experiences many queer neurodivergent people navigate, the systemic biases that affect diagnosis and treatment, and the contributions neurodivergent individuals make to communities and advocacy.

Whether you’re neurodivergent, an ally, or just curious, this episode offers a thoughtful, compassionate, and sometimes surprising look at identity, stigma, and the power of inclusion.

Takeaways

Neurodivergence includes conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more.

The term neurodivergence was popularized in the 1990s by Judy Singer.

Neurodiversity shifts the focus from pathology to inclusivity.

The social model of disability emphasizes societal barriers over individual deficits.

Neurodivergent individuals often face stigma and misinformation.

Historical treatment of neurodivergent individuals has been tied to eugenics and ableism.

Women and people of color are often underdiagnosed due to systemic biases.

Neurodivergent individuals may experience dual minority status in the queer community.

Access to mental health care can be prohibitively expensive and difficult to obtain.

Many neurodivergent individuals contribute significantly to society and advocacy.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Judy Singer — sociologist with autism, popularized the term “neurodivergence”

Jim Sinclair — activist, known for anti-cure position

Greta Thunberg — activist, autism and environmental advocacy

Queer Moment of Joy Guests:

Jimmy Chen @itsjimmychen

Stuart Stock-Tucker He/Him @stuartstocktucker24

Host Bio:

Allison Smith LCSW (she/they) is a Clinical Social Worker at Open Space Therapy Collective. Allison specializes in working with teens and adults. Allison integrates trauma-informed, abolitionist, and anti-colonial frameworks into their practice, supporting clients in exploring identity, relationships, ENM dynamics, and cultural connections.

🌈 About Open Space Therapy Collective

Open Space Therapy Collective (OSTC) is a queer- and trans-led mental health collective built on the belief that therapy should feel like a place where every part of you belongs. Our team of LGBTQ+ and QTPOC therapists create space for healing that is affirming, justice-driven, and rooted in community care. From navigating identity to unpacking trauma to celebrating joy, OSTC is here for the full spectrum of queer experience.

To find more from us visit:

Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com

Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective

TikTok: @openspacetherapy

Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut

Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout

YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

Keywords: neurodivergence, ADHD, autism, mental health, queer community, stigma, neurodiversity movement, intersectionality, access to care, historical context, LGBTQ mental health

In this episode, Renae Johnson (they/them) sits down with Charlie Sprinkman (they/he), founder of Everywhere is Queer, to talk about what it really means to build and sustain queer safe spaces. From Charlie’s journey out of a conservative upbringing to becoming a leader in queer visibility, this conversation dives into the power of community, the challenges of creating inclusive businesses, and why visibility matters now more than ever.

We’ll explore how queer-owned spaces aren’t just about safety—they’re about joy, representation, and fueling a broader queer economy. Charlie brings honesty, humor, and insight to the realities of running a queer-centered platform, the pushback that comes with it, and the growth that happens when community shows up for you.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to create a world where we can live more authentically—and why those spaces are essential to our survival and our joy—this episode is for you.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Camp Brave Trails

Dylan Mulvaney’s TikTok

Queer Moment of Joy Guest:

Queer Moment of Joy Guest 1: Julian Montanez He/Him from DTLA Proud @dtlaproud

Queer Moment of Joy Guest 2: Neverending Nina She/Her @neverendingninanotes

Guest Bio : Charlie Sprinkman (he/they) is the founder of the free Everywhere Is Queer App. EIQ is becoming one of the largest queer-owned organization directories in the world, if not the largest! EIQ hosts over 16,700+ queer-owned organizations globally. EIQ's mission is to connect the queer, trans and ally community with safer spaces, all while supporting queer entrepreneurs. EIQ's app is free and available globally!

Links:

App - iOS and Android

Instagram: @everywhereisqueer (158K)

TikTok: @everywhereisqueer (115K)

Website: www.everywhereisqueer.com

Host Bio:

Renae Johnson, LPCC, ATR-BC (they/them) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and the Founder of Open Space Therapy Collective, a group practice offering affirming, social justice-driven mental health care for the LGBTQ+ & QTPOC community. With clinical expertise in complex trauma, identity development, and creative expression, Renae blends therapeutic depth with a commitment to equity and inclusion.

In addition to their clinical work, Renae produces community wellness events like Queerly Connected and is a founding member of the LA Queer Coalition, creating spaces where queer and trans people can gather, heal, organize, and celebrate.

As a speaker, consultant, and activist, Renae is passionate about building systems of care that honor the full humanity of queer and trans individuals—and equipping healthcare and wellness providers with the tools to do the same.

To find more from us visit:

Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com

Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective

TikTok: @openspacetherapy

Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut

Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout

YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

Keywords: Queer Community, Safe Spaces, LGBTQ+ Mental Health, Inclusivity, Queer-Owned Businesses, Community Building, Visibility, LGBTQ+ Support, Queer Economy, Personal Transformation, Authenticity

Sometimes it’s not just rest you need. Sometimes, it’s a radical reimagining of what you’re carrying—and what you need to set down for good.

In this mini summer check-in episode, Kristen Crowe (they/them), therapist and dance/movement therapist at Open Space Therapy Collective, drops in with a soft but honest reflection on what it means when rest stops working. They explore the emotional labor so many LGBTQ+ folks are holding, especially in this political moment, and the difference between being tired and being over-capacity.

Together, we ask: What if your exhaustion isn’t just about needing a nap, but about needing to renegotiate the expectations you’ve internalized about what you should be able to do?

This is your permission slip to get honest about your limits, make sustainable choices, and remember you’re not meant to carry it all alone.

🌀 For more mental health support and reflection, catch up on past episodes of My Therapist is Out! while we take our summer rest. We’ll be back soon.

Host Bio:

Kristen Crowe LPCC, BC-DMT (they/them) Is Licensed Therapist, Dance Therapist, and Clinical Supervisor with Open Space Therapy Collective. Kristen specializes in working somatically with adults and partners to help heal the mind-body connection so you can feel more grounded and vibrant every day.

To find more from us visit:

Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com

Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective

TikTok: @openspacetherapy

Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut

Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout

YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective