Proud Spaces: Building Neuro-Affirmative Support for LGBT+ Young People
In September, 60 youth workers came together in Dublin for a ground-breaking training on how to better support LGBTI+ neurodiverse young people.
The training, Proud Spaces – Neuro Affirmative LGBT+ Spaces in Youth Work, explored how youth services can create safe, inclusive environments where every young person feels seen, valued, and supported.
Understanding Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is the recognition that differences in how our brains work are natural variations of the human experience, not deficits. This includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurotypes. Rather than focusing on “fixing” or “correcting,” a neuro-affirmative approach highlights strengths, adapts environments, and encourages authentic self-expression.
Intersectionality Matters
For young LGBTI+ people who are also neurodiverse, challenges can compound. They may face not only stigma for their neurotype but also discrimination tied to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Research has shown that autistic people are significantly more likely to identify as transgender or gender-diverse compared to the general population.
The training which was funded throught the DCED’s Community Youth Fund Grant 2024/2025 highlighted how intersectional youth work must address these overlapping experiences of minority stress, ensuring that no young person feels invisible or unsupported.
What Makes a Space Neuro-Affirmative?
The training emphasised practical strategies for creating neuro-affirmative spaces, including:
- Focusing on strengths rather than deficits.
- Adapting environments such as noise levels, lighting, or flexible furniture to suit different needs.
- Promoting authentic self-expression, whether that means stimming, dressing comfortably, or communicating in non-traditional ways.
Person-centered practice, which involves listening to young people, avoiding assumptions, and co-creating solutions.
Learning Together
Youth workers reflected on the importance of unlearning, so shedding ingrained biases or assumptions and embracing new ways of supporting neurodiverse young people. By sharing experiences, challenges, and successes, participants built a stronger foundation for inclusive practice.
Moving Forward
The Proud Spaces training was not just a workshop, but a commitment to change. The 60 youth workers who participated will now bring these insights back to their projects, helping to ensure that young LGBTQI+ neurodiverse people across Ireland can access spaces where they are truly respected and celebrated.
More images from the training can be found here>>
For more information please email proudspaces@youthworkireland.ie
This training was funded by the Department of Children, Equality and Disabilities’s LGBTI+ Youth Fund 2024
