“Which Part of Me is Safe with you?” Stories of Safety From Trans Neurodiverse Folk
Tracks
Jacaranda - In Person Only
Monday, August 11, 2025 |
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM |
Jacaranda Room |
Overview
Samson Dunlevie – Samson Dunlevie
Speaker
Mr Samson Dunlevie
Suicide Prevention + Trans & Gender Diverse Peer Worker
N/A
“Which Part of Me is Safe with you?” Stories of Safety From Trans Neurodiverse Folk
Presentation Overview
Three Key Learnings:
1. Understand the significant overlap between neurodivergence and gender diversity. Studies show that neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism, are more likely to identify as transgender, nonbinary, genderfluid or another unique gender identity.
2. The barriers in accessing affirming Care. Explore the structural barriers that trans and gender-diverse neurodivergent individuals face, including geographic isolation, class challenges, and lack of knowledgeable practitioners.
3. Self-Advocacy and Ally Support. Learn how trans and gender-diverse individuals effectively self-advocate for their needs and rights. Discover how allies can step up to provide better support, ensuring inclusive and affirming care.
In this presentation, we'll delve into the intersection of neurodivergence and gender identity. Samson is a Peer Worker who works closely with trans and gender-diverse people. We'll bring our perspective as shaped by the voices of our community and highlight the unique challenges faced by this population.
We’ll discuss the barriers which often stem from a lack of safety in society, especially medical settings, due to systematic oppression. For neurodivergent trans folk, this leads to difficulties in accessing care, such as assessments to help them get much needed support and gender affirming care.
Let’s learn the ways we can all create more safety for the trans and gender diverse neurodivergent community. This talk will celebrate the joy of trans euphoria and share the tales of what life looks like when we are thriving. We will share what we're hearing is improving, through advocacy, trans powered tenacity and strong allyship.
1. Understand the significant overlap between neurodivergence and gender diversity. Studies show that neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism, are more likely to identify as transgender, nonbinary, genderfluid or another unique gender identity.
2. The barriers in accessing affirming Care. Explore the structural barriers that trans and gender-diverse neurodivergent individuals face, including geographic isolation, class challenges, and lack of knowledgeable practitioners.
3. Self-Advocacy and Ally Support. Learn how trans and gender-diverse individuals effectively self-advocate for their needs and rights. Discover how allies can step up to provide better support, ensuring inclusive and affirming care.
In this presentation, we'll delve into the intersection of neurodivergence and gender identity. Samson is a Peer Worker who works closely with trans and gender-diverse people. We'll bring our perspective as shaped by the voices of our community and highlight the unique challenges faced by this population.
We’ll discuss the barriers which often stem from a lack of safety in society, especially medical settings, due to systematic oppression. For neurodivergent trans folk, this leads to difficulties in accessing care, such as assessments to help them get much needed support and gender affirming care.
Let’s learn the ways we can all create more safety for the trans and gender diverse neurodivergent community. This talk will celebrate the joy of trans euphoria and share the tales of what life looks like when we are thriving. We will share what we're hearing is improving, through advocacy, trans powered tenacity and strong allyship.
Biography
Samson Dunlevie lives, works and dreams on Awabakal Country. He spends his days as a Peer Worker walking alongside fellow queer neurosparkly folk. His living experience is a colourful tapestry of Autism, ADHD, OCD and navigating the world as a proud Transman within the LGBTQPUIA+SB family. Outside of work, Samson is co-creating the Queer Disability-friendly Hobbit Commune with his partner Ebbiny and likeminded humans. He's also an Artist, Gamer, Cosplayer, Geek and weekend Druid.
