Why Pride events can present barriers to neurodivergent individuals from the community

Hyderabad: While Pride month is often celebrated with colour, sound, and community, it can be an overwhelming time for those at the intersection of queerness and neurodivergence.

For many neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, or sensory processing disorders, the mainstream model of Pride events can present barriers rather than belonging.

Pride Events: A Sensory Overload

From booming music to crowded venues, traditional Pride parades and celebrations can be overstimulating.

“Even the idea of being in a loud, unpredictable crowd makes me anxious,” says Anya (name changed), a 24-year-old queer person diagnosed with autism, speaking to NewsMeter. “I want to celebrate who I am, but I also need quiet and structure. I don’t find that in most Pride events.”

For some, the overstimulation doesn’t just cause discomfort—it can lead to shutdowns or anxiety attacks. “I tried attending one event last year,” shares Nick, a 19-year-old queer person with ADHD. “Within an hour, I had to leave. It was too much noise, too many people, and I felt like I didn’t belong even among my community.”

Why Inclusion Needs to Be Intentional

Experts say that the problem lies in the assumption that there’s one “right” way to celebrate Pride.

“Neurodivergence affects how people experience the world,” says Dr. Niyati Mishra, a clinical psychologist based in Hyderabad, speaking to Newsmeter. “We cannot assume that a large-scale, high-energy celebration suits everyone. For neurodivergent queer individuals, support may look like low-sensory environments, clear communication, or quiet zones at events.”

Dr. Mishra adds that organisers can make small, meaningful changes: “Label loud areas clearly, offer quiet rooms, avoid flashing lights, and use visual guides to explain the flow of the event.”

Support Starts at Home

Parents of queer neurodivergent children often navigate a complex emotional landscape—supporting their child’s identity while also managing their unique needs.

“My son came out as gay last year. He’s also on the spectrum,” says Maniyata Das, a parent and educator. “He wants to participate, but the typical Pride environment isn’t for him. We created a small celebration at home this year—baking, watching a queer movie, and video calling his friends. He was happy. That’s what matters.”

Shri Shankar, father to a non-binary teen with ADHD, adds, “It’s not about fitting in with the crowd. It’s about feeling seen. That could mean attending a community art session or even just wearing a small badge of pride. As parents, we have to listen and adapt.”

The Importance of Representation

Representation of neurodivergent queer people is still limited, both in media and within the community itself. Many feel invisible during Pride, where the louder, more visible forms of expression dominate.

“There’s a lot of pressure to perform pride—to be loud, colourful, and ‘extra’,” says Anya. “But my queerness exists even in silence. That should be valid too.”

Organisations like Neuroqueer India, an online support space, are trying to change this by hosting virtual meetups, sensory-friendly events, and content that speaks to intersectional identities.

Building Inclusive Spaces Year-Round

While Pride Month is a key moment of visibility, experts argue that inclusive practices need to extend year-round.

“Accessibility shouldn’t be an afterthought,” says Dr. Mishra. “Organisers, educators, and workplaces need to consider sensory needs and neurodiverse communication styles throughout the year. Only then can we say we are truly inclusive.”

Moving Forward

For now, families and individuals are finding their ways to celebrate Pride—ones that respect neurodivergence and honour queer identity.

“We decorated the house with my child’s favourite colours—not rainbow, but earth tones,” says Das. “It was still Pride. It was still love. It was still them.”