What Is Neuroqueer? A Personal Journey Into Identity, Masking, and Healing

n this episode, I explore the meaning of neuroqueering through my own lived experience as a queer, autistic, ADHD adult. Joined by Dr. Megan Anna Neff (Neurodivergent Insights), we dive into:

• The definition and origins of the term "neuroqueer"

• How masking and identity suppression lead to burnout

• The grief of coming out and discovering you're neurodivergent later in life

• What it means to heal your inner child

• Why unmasking is a slow, emotional, and communal journey

We also discuss how safety, community, and self-permission are key to stepping into your authentic identity—and how queer and neurodivergent joy often go hand-in-hand.

🎧 Tune in to hear how unmasking shaped my path, why I believe identity work must happen in community, and what neuroqueering means to me today.

🔗 Related Links:

Full interview with Dr. Megan Anna Neff: https://youtu.be/Df4V9-vvino

My Substack & Office Hours: https://brettwhitmarsh.substack.com

Nick Walker's original neuroqueer writing: https://neuroqueer.com/neuroqueer-an-introduction/

**📚 Links Mentioned:**

- Order Dr. Neff's **Autistic Burnout Workbook**: https://bookshop.org/a/108800/9781507223062

- Dr. Neff's Website: https://neurodivergentinsights.com

-Order Dr. Neff's Self Care for Autistic People: https://bookshop.org/a/108800/9781507221938

📖 Learn more about Dr. Neff:

https://www.neurodivergentinsights.com/

Substack: https://substack.com/@neurodivergentinsights

https://neurodivergentinsights.substack.com