Tag: queer

GLOW is a choir where neuroqueer voices are amplified and celebrated.

Below you will find some resources & reflections for neurodiversity celebration week, and an idea of what you can expect at a GLOW session.

At GLOW choir we celebrate neurodivergent individuals and we do our best to be neuro-inclusive. We are reported to be an affirming and inclusive space by our neurodivergent singers.

Our choir-leader is neurodivergent, and we have a neurodivergent person on the behind-the-scenes GLOW Choir team too. We love the different skills and strengths that our team bring to the table. Our inclusion practices are informed by lived experience, training, and feedback and suggestions from our singers. We’re always open to learning more. Got suggestions? Awesome! Contact us on glow@getbrightonsinging.com

sensory items

For neurodiversity celebration week 2025, GLOW choir provided an array of sensory items that GLOW choir singers can use during the session, with encouragement to do so and in an affirmative environment. Reception of this at our session in neurodiversity celebration week was resoundingly positive, with singers reporting that it enhanced their experience in a variety of ways. We will keep bringing these items back to GLOW choir sessions – because it’s not just about the celebration week, it’s all year round – so you can expect to find these at future sessions too.

Stories that never stand still, graphic book about adhd, follow the QR code to view:

Or use this link to get there: https://bit.ly/4iEhopM

updated wordsheets for dyslexic people

We’re starting to integrate wordsheets on cream-coloured paper in with the previously standard white ones, as the cream-coloured paper wordsheets are better for some eyes, including some dyslexic people. We hope this will make for a more widely accessible and comfortable experience at GLOW.

neurodivergent & lgbtqia+ individuals making a difference

Here are six inspiring individuals who are neurodivergent and part of the LGBTQIA+ community, each making unique contributions to their respective fields. This information has been put together by GLOW choir. See something that should be different? Let us know

Khadija Gbla

Khadija Gbla is an autistic, disabled, Afro-Indigenous, and non-binary writer, keynote speaker, and consultant. They advocate for trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, and culturally safe care, working to create inclusive spaces for marginalised communities. They are an anti FGM campaigner and human rights activist whose work has been widely honoured. [Photo Credit: Khadija Gbla Instagram]

Nicole Maines

Nicole Maines is an American actress and transgender rights activist who has ADHD. She became known for her legal battle advocating for trans rights in schools, eventually becoming the first transgender superhero on TV in Supergirl as Nia Nal. Maines has also appeared in various TV shows, films, and video games, using her platform to champion both trans rights and neurodiversity. [Photo – Nicole’s Wikipedia page]

Lydia X.Z. Brown

Lydia X.Z. Brown is a nonbinary, autistic, and queer disability justice advocate, writer, and attorney. They focus on addressing violence against disabled people, particularly those at the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality. Brown works toward creating a more inclusive society through their activism and legal work. They founded and lead the Autistic People of Colour Fund, and co-edited the first edition of the anthology, All the Weight of Our Dreams: On Living Racialised Autism.

Sandi Toksvig

Sandi Toksvig is a British-Danish comedian, writer, and broadcaster known for her sharp wit and intellectual humour. She has openly discussed her experiences with dyslexia, which has influenced her unique approach to thinking and storytelling. Toksvig is a vocal champion for LGBTQ+ rights and is widely recognised for her work as a host on QI and The Great British Bake Off. Her warmth and humour have made her a beloved figure in British media.

Elliot Page

Elliot Page is a Canadian actor and advocate best known for his roles in Juno, Inception, and The Umbrella Academy. He came out as transgender in 2020 and has since been a vocal advocate for trans rights, mental health, and LGBTQIA+ representation in media. Page has also spoken about his ADHD, emphasising the importance of neurodiversity awareness alongside gender identity issues.

Jonathan Van Ness (JVN)

Jonathan Van Ness, best known as hair & grooming expert on Queer Eye, is a non-binary, openly queer television personality, hairstylist, and author. They have spoken candidly about their experiences with ADHD, mental health, and HIV advocacy. Through their work, JVN promotes self-love, acceptance, and breaking down stigmas surrounding both LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent identities.

These are just a handful of individuals who showcase some of the diversity, resilience, and strength within both the neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ communities!

books by austic authors, lgbtqia+ section

LGBTQIA+

Head to the link above for fiction and non-fiction books by autistic authors, as part of the Autism Books by Austistic Authors project.

onwards

We look forward to continuing to celebrate, learn alongside, include and affirm neurodivergent individuals at GLOW, and to creating spaces where neuroqueer people can thrive, as best we can.

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See something that should be done differently?

Please let us know on glow@getbrightonsinging.com – thank you!