LGBTQ+ gender and sexuality resources

Research shows that autistic people are more likely to identify as LGBTQ+, but people on the spectrum don’t always have the chance to learn about gender, sex and sexuality in ways that work for them. Below, you can find resources to help you or your loved one understand and accept your sexuality or gender expression. You can also find links to hotlines if you need direct support.

Gender and sexuality resources

The following resources provide information on the link between autism, sexual orientation and gender identity: 

• Autism Speaks - New insights into the sexual health and activity of autistic adults and adolescents
• Autism Speaks - Self-advocacy tips for LGBTQ+ autistic adults seeking medical care
• Autism Speaks - Self-advocates in conversation: Connections between autism and gender presentation
• Organization for Autism Research - Sex ed for self-advocates
• SPARK for Autism - Autistic people more likely to identify as LGBTQ
• SPARK for Autism - Webinar: Sexual orientation, gender identity and autism spectrum disorder (video of a previously recorded webinar)
• Spectrum News - Some adults with autism traits reject conventional sexual labels
• Autistic Empire - Autistic and LGBTQ: The facts
• Twainbow - Support for people living under a double rainbow

Resources for parents

• Autism Speaks - Advice for parents on gender identity
• Autism Speaks - Combating bullying
• Autism Speaks - Expert Q&A: Gender-affirming care for transgender autistic youth
• The Washington Post - Advice to parents on raising a happy and healthy LGBTQ child 
• Spectrum News - Why we need to respect sexual orientation, gender diversity in autism 
• Spectrum News - Gender and sexuality in autism, explained 
• Children's National Hospital - Gender and autism program 
• Organization for Autism Research (OAR) - Sexual orientation and gender identity

Resources for educators

• Human Rights Campaign - Welcoming schools 
• Autism Speaks – Combating bullying
• Autism Speaks – School Community Tool Kit

Additional resources

• Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT) – LGBTQI Resource Page
• Autism Society Inland Empire - Sexual, Gender Identity and Autism

LGBTQ+ support lines 

These toll-free lines are staffed by either trained LGBTQ+ youth or adults, or by trained youth or adults that are LGBTQ+ friendly.

• Trevor Project 
  • The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25
    • Text and instant messaging are available
      • Phone number: (866)-488-7386 
• LGBTQ National Youth Hotline (ages 23 and under) 
  • Free and confidential peer support for the LGBTQ and questioning community ages 25 and younger. 
    • Mondays to Fridays from 1 pm – 9 pm PST 
    • Saturday from 9 am – 2 pm PST 
      • Phone number: 800-246-7743 
• LGBTQ National Hotline
  • The LGBTQ National Hotline is for all ages. They provide a safe space that is anonymous and confidential where callers can speak on many different issues and concerns including, but limited to, coming out issues, gender and/or sexuality identities, relationship concerns, bullying, workplace issues, HIV/AIDS anxiety, safer sex information, suicide and much more.  
    • Monday thru Friday from 1PM to 9PM PST 
    • Saturday from 9am to 2pm PST 
      • Phone number: 888-843-4564 
• True Colors United 
  • True Colors focuses on supporting homeless youth. They provide a direct hotline as well as additional resources. 
    • Phone number: (212)-461-4401 
• Pride Institute LGBTQ Dependency  
  • The Pride Institute is an inclusive and accepting program that has been helping members of the LGBTQ+ community cope with addiction and mental health issues since 1986. They offer residential treatment centers, outpatient programs and more.
    • Number: (800)-547-7433 
• Trans Lifeline 
  • Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support and resources they need to thrive.
    • U.S. phone number: (877) 565-8860 or 
    • Canada phone number: (877) 330-6366