what might have been

I know that neurodiversity and genderdiversity are strongly correlated. However, no, I've never much wondered about my gender or sexuality. I am comfortable with the gender I was assigned at birth and a sexuality that conforms to the majority's expectations. I haven't really felt any need to wonder, personally, what it would be like to be anything other than what I feel I am. I suppose I'm on the inside looking out, given my straight cis male privilege. I am aware of that privilege, though. I don't deny I have it. I know I'm not entitled to it.

My neurotype has taught me what it is like to be on the outside looking in—to not have a certain other kind of privilege. However, if I keep my mouth shut and keep myself to myself as I walk down the street, nobody takes any notice. That AuDHD is a hidden disability is, at times, also a privilege—at other times, not, of course. As I cannot experience what it is like not to have the privileges that I, by chance, have, I've been trying to learn what it is like for those who do not have them by listening to their voices. What other people experience as their daily realities seem like dystopian "alternate realities" to me. That has been an eye-opening experience.

Listen more to people who are not like you.

I like this perspective to consider different perspectives like holding a Rubik Cube and turning it round. It’s not easy to put ourselves in another’s shoes we can only try and imagine. I think sometimes we are part of a universal consciousness all aware of just a little trying to connect to others but not always able. Maybe the act of trying being genuine is enough?

I like this perspective to consider different perspectives like holding a Rubik Cube and turning it round. It’s not easy to put ourselves in another’s shoes we can only try and imagine. I think sometimes we are part of a universal consciousness all aware of just a little trying to connect to others but not always able. Maybe the act of trying being genuine is enough?

Beetroot said:

It’s not easy to put ourselves in another’s shoes we can only try and imagine.

We don't have to imagine, we can listen. Other people's voices are very accessible to us these days: podcasts, blogs, books, videos, etc. I think it's important to ensure that we listen to a diversity of voices. There are a lot more kinds of diversity than just neurodiversity. If we want others to listen to us, we should listen to them, too. That's only fair.