Staying True to Myself: A Queer Journey

 As a neurodivergent queer woman business owner, I have had to navigate many hurdles on my journey. Being left-handed, a middle child, and the only girl among three brothers were the obvious things that set me apart from others. However, it was the not-so-obvious hurdles that proved to be the most challenging to overcome.

In 2015, I was diagnosed with ADHD and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). I have come to understand that being neurodivergent is my superpower. While ADHD makes it difficult to stay focused on tasks that I find boring or uninteresting, I have learned to leverage my ability to hyperfocus on tasks that interest me. I have also come to appreciate the creativity and out-of-the-box thinking that ADHD is associated with. Although having ADHD can make it difficult to stick to a rigid schedule, I have found ways to build structure in my day that help me stay on track. Finally, having a network of like-minded women who understand and help me navigate the challenges of ADHD has been invaluable.

As a woman with ADHD, my experience is unique and often challenging. ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in males than females, with recent research suggesting that this gender gap may be due in part to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of ADHD in women and girls. This can be attributed to the fact that females may exhibit different symptoms than males or because their symptoms may be attributed to other conditions such as anxiety or depression.

Another challenge I face is impulsivity. I often act before I think, which can result in impulsive decisions or actions that I later regret. Social situations can also be difficult for me. I may struggle to pick up on social cues or understand nonverbal communication, which can make it hard to form and maintain relationships.

Despite these challenges, I have learned to appreciate the unique perspective that ADHD gives me. My mind is constantly buzzing with ideas and possibilities, and I am often able to see connections and patterns that others may miss. ADHD is a part of who I am, and with acceptance, understanding, and the right strategies in place, I am able to navigate the world in my own unique way.

As if being a neurodivergent left-handed middle child only girl among three brothers weren’t enough, I am also queer. Coming to terms with my sexuality as a queer woman was a journey that took me many years. For a long time, I struggled with feelings of shame and confusion, unsure of how to reconcile my attraction to other women with the messages I had received from society and my upbringing.

It wasn’t until I fully embraced my identity as a queer woman that I finally felt whole. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was living authentically and that all the pieces of myself were finally fitting together. The weight of self-doubt and self-loathing that I had carried for so long began to lift, and I felt a newfound sense of freedom and joy.

Meeting my wife was the icing on the cake. From the moment we met, I knew that she was someone special. Being in a relationship with someone who understands and accepts me for who I am has been a transformative experience. It has allowed me to fully embrace my identity as a queer woman and has given me the courage to be open about my sexuality with others.

As a queer woman, I have faced many challenges in the business world. While progress has been made in terms of LGBTQ+ rights, there is still a long way to go. Discrimination and prejudice are still rampant, and it can be difficult to navigate business relationships with those who may not accept or understand my identity. However, I believe that representation is important, and I am proud to be a queer woman business owner who can serve as a role model for others in the LGBTQ+ community.

In conclusion, staying true to oneself is a challenge that many people face, especially those who are considered “different” by society. As a neurodivergent queer woman business owner, I have faced many hurdles on my journey, but I have learned to appreciate the unique perspective that my identity gives me. By accepting and embracing all aspects of myself, I am able to navigate the world in my own unique way and serve as a role model for others who may be struggling to do the same.