Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of isolation, stigma, and the emotional challenges of coming out. Listener discretion advised.

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob speaks with Andrea Schiff, a proud trans woman, neurodivergent advocate, and creative spirit. Andrea shares her journey navigating life with ADHD and dyslexia while exploring gender identity in a world that often misunderstands both.

Together, they reflect on the power of supportive communities, the need to challenge harmful narratives, and the importance of being truly seen and accepted. This episode celebrates individuality, resilience, and the voices often left unheard.

Key Takeaways from the episode:

• Everyone learns in different ways, neurodivergent experiences deserve understanding, not judgment.
• ADHD can come with strengths like hyper-focus and creativity and these should be celebrated.
• Supportive spaces can make the difference between isolation and empowerment. Changing the narrative around neurodivergence allows people to feel heard, validated, and included.
• Intersectionality matters. Experiences of identity, neurodivergence, and belonging are complex and deserve recognition.

“We don't want to be fighting the world around us. We don't want to be struggling. We don't want to be pointed out. We don't want to be singled out. We just want to fit in. We just want to be loved and appreciated.”

About Andrea Schiff (she/her):

Trans Woman Lesbian Hippie Veteran Neurodivergent ADHD/Dyslexic Theatre and Music Lover Deadhead (grateful dead fan) French & American Pastafarian Ordained Dudeist Priestess Theatre Technical Director Production Coordinator Manager of Fennario, (Grateful Dead tribute band, New England, for hire!) Eastern Massachusetts Single and searching INTP-a SciFi.

Follow Andrea on Instagram: @andrea_buchbinder

Learn more about Achievable Journey.

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