A.S.P.E.C.S. (Autistic and Aspergers Persons of Every Category of (Queer) Sexuality)

Organisation administrator: Felicity Anderson

Events

Contact: dan@alacroart.com

About A.S.P.E.C.S. (Autistic and Aspergers Persons of Every Category of (Queer) Sexuality)

A.S.P.E.C.S. functions as an informal social network and peer group for discussions and social events to encourage LGBT people with autism and related conditions to interact more with the LGBT 'Scene' as well as improving their welfare and safety, in making them aware of issues like Safe Sex/STI risks, how to enjoy socialising 'on the scene' and how to get support if there is risk of loneliness, depression, addictions, self-harm, etc. which can affect LGBT people disproportionately, and people with autism may be still more vulnerable than most. Our main activities are bimonthly meetings, currently in Manchester and Sheffield, although we are hoping to soon extend them to Leeds and Birmingham, and to get other members around the country to set up their own. Most meetings currently are basically just informal 'drop in' sessions and chats about strategies for LGBT autistic awareness and support. As numbers in A.S.P.E.C.S. and attending meetings increase, we will start to organise more structured meetings with speakers on issues like sexual health and social activities such as trips, autism-friendly club nights in gay clubs with a chill-out room, and also we may work in time towards acquiring charitable status. What A.S.P.E.C.S. is NOT, is a professional support/care organisation, but it can guide and put in touch people with professional support/advice services, particularly related to LGBT welfare for LGBT people of all ages/genders/backgrounds. Involvement in ASPECS is fairly flexible; autistic 'allies' of LGBT people are welcome too if they feel they have something to contribute; for example many LGBT people who are not autistic themselves may have a brother or sister who is autistic. Also there are still a lot of autistic LGBT people who might be totally in denial about their sexuality or may regard themselves as asexual, for example, or 'bi-romantic', 'polysexual' or other similar hard to define sexualities.

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