Parallel Struggles: Challenging Ableism and Transphobia

The struggles against ableism and transphobia reflect each other in the perception that society often deems us as not "normal," writes Ayman Eckford.

When encountering transphobic comments online, particularly those that accept "LGB" identities but reject transgender individuals as mentally ill and undeserving of equal rights, I experience a profound sense of déjà vu.

From an early age, I understood I was not a girl, even before learning the term trans. Additionally, I am autistic and have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Over the past decade, I have engaged in pro-neurodiversity activism in various countries such as Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

I have repeatedly encountered the argument that if you are somehow different, you do not deserve the same rights as others. This belief is held by those who are prejudiced. Despite this, transgender people are not classified as ill by the World Health Organization.

Nevertheless, populist figures and bigots still label us as "crazy." Alarmingly, some individuals continue to believe that gay, lesbian, and bisexual people are mentally unwell.

The Intersection of Neurodiversity and Queerness

Personally, as someone who identifies as both neurodivergent and trans, I am acutely aware of the stark differences and overlaps between being queer and being neurodivergent. For instance, studies indicate that transgender individuals are significantly more likely to be autistic. Nonetheless, ableism—discrimination against disabled individuals—is so pervasive in our society that its negative impact extends beyond neurodivergent individuals to affect able-bodied LGBTQ+ people as well. When society seeks to erase or undermine marginalized groups, it often attempts to portray them as "mentally unstable."

Historically, ableism has been weaponized against various groups: women, to justify gender inequality; Jewish people, to rationalize the Holocaust; people of color, to legitimize slavery and colonialism; and naturally, against the LGBTQ+ community.

Donald Trump's actions to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military underscore this dangerous narrative. In doing so, he claimed that their participation was "inconsistent with the medical, surgical, and mental health constraints" associated with gender dysphoria.

His directives employ overly medicalized language aimed at depicting transgender people as unfit, based on their "diagnosis." His rhetoric is reflective of his broader disdain for diversity, equality, and inclusivity, evident in his misleading comments about disability inclusion in aviation safety, following a recent collision in Washington DC.

Under his administration, and similar far-right regimes, ableism is deeply embedded. Allegations even suggest he encouraged a relative to let his disabled son die. He exploits ableism against groups deemed "unworthy" of basic dignity and human rights, including trans people.

The Call for Inclusive Activism

This underscores the necessity for LGBTQ+ activists to vocally oppose ableism, particularly for those who live at the intersection of multiple identities. Additionally, LGBTQ+ individuals face a heightened risk of mental health issues due to persistent discrimination, and we must not dismiss the competence of those with mental health conditions.

To combat this, a closer examination of the neurodiversity paradigm is essential. This framework highlights the diversity in how individuals function, rejecting the notion of a "right" or "wrong" way to function. Society must provide appropriate accommodations for all.

If most people were autistic, then non-autistic individuals might be considered disabled. Autism itself does not inherently cause problems and is not viewed as a disorder by many, though it is often treated as such. We do not require a cure; we require accommodation.

Conversely, clinical depression is a disorder that can lead to significant mental health challenges. This does not mean it is shameful or that individuals with depression should face discrimination; rather, it should be addressed and treated.

Redefining 'Normal'

Instead of questioning whether these conditions are "normal," we should consider whether they cause suffering independently of a social context that stigmatizes them.

I strongly believe that to effectively challenge bigots and secure rights for all LGBTQ+ individuals, we must dismantle ableism and the cult of "normality." Embracing our diverse ways of thinking and understanding our bodies is not a problem. Norms should serve to benefit society, not constrain it.

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