LGBTQ+ Neurodiversity Q&A (Part One) — Closing Reflections on the Series with Renae Johnson (they/them) & Mikey Whited, Psych NP (they/them)

As we wrap up our Neurodiversity Series, host Renae Johnson and returning guest Mikey Whited sit down to answer your biggest questions about neurodivergence through a queer mental health lens. From how to know if you’re neurodivergent, to navigating communication and emotional regulation in relationships, this episode brings together the key themes from across the series—self-understanding, acceptance, and the radical power of community care.

Together, they unpack what it actually looks like to live as a neurodivergent queer adult, the nuances of ADHD and autism, and why trauma and chronic stress can sometimes blur those lines. This isn’t just a Q&A—it’s a grounding conversation about belonging, validation, and learning to work with your brain, not against it.

Series Takeaways:

• Understanding how ADHD, autism, and sensory differences overlap and diverge
  

• Why so many LGBTQ+ folks are late-diagnosed and how systemic bias plays a role
  

• The difference between trauma responses and neurodivergent traits
  

• Building communication that centers curiosity over correction
  

• Why emotional regulation is a practice, not a performance
  

• The role of community in unmasking, healing, and finding joy
  

This episode closes out our six-part journey into LGBTQ+ neurodiversity—but the conversation doesn’t end here. Keep revisiting these stories, share them with your people, and remember: your brain is not broken. It’s beautifully, uniquely yours.

Queer Moment of Joy Guest 1: Chi, She, @bigchii888

Queer Moment of Joy Guest 2: Paige, She/Her, @paigeraycreative

Guest Bio :

Mikey Whited RN, MSN, PMHNP-BC (they/them) is a psychiatric nurse practitioner working in Los Angeles, California. Mikey specializes in queer and trans psychiatric medication and mental health care for adults and older teens. Mikey is passionate about changing the psychiatry paradigm and providing quality medication education and care for clients in a way that will ACTUALLY work to help clients achieve their lifestyle goals.

Host Bio:

Renae Johnson, LPCC, ATR-BC (they/them) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and the Founder of Open Space Therapy Collective, a group practice offering affirming, social justice-driven mental health care for the LGBTQ+ & QTPOC community. With clinical expertise in complex trauma, identity development, and creative expression, Renae blends therapeutic depth with a commitment to equity and inclusion.

In addition to their clinical work, Renae produces community wellness events like Queerly Connected and is a founding member of the LA Queer Coalition, creating spaces where queer and trans people can gather, heal, organize, and celebrate.

As a speaker, consultant, and activist, Renae is passionate about building systems of care that honor the full humanity of queer and trans individuals—and equipping healthcare and wellness providers with the tools to do the same.

To find more from us visit:

Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com

Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective

TikTok: @openspacetherapy

Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut

Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout

YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

Keywords: #Neurodiversity #ADHD #AutismAcceptance #QueerMentalHealth #NeurodivergentVoices #CommunityCare #SelfUnderstanding #EmotionalRegulation #TraumaHealing #Unmasking #Acceptance #SensoryDifferences #LateDiagnosis #Neuroqueer #RadicalSelfAcceptance #HealingJourney #NeurodivergentCommunity #MentalHealthAwareness #YourBrainIsBeautiful

In this episode of My Therapist is Out!, Kristen Crowe (they/them) and Ernesto Martinez (they/he) dive into what it really means to navigate the world as queer and neurodivergent. Together, they unpack how neurotypical standards often miss the mark, why compassionate frameworks matter, and how therapy can shift when it’s designed with neurodiverse folks in mind. From the pressures of societal expectations to the beauty of play, experimentation, and self-acceptance, Kristen and Ernesto remind us that thriving means rewriting the rules — not squeezing into them.

Takeaways

Neurodiversity encompasses a wide range of cognitive variations.

Understanding neurodivergence requires a compassionate and non-pathological lens.

Societal standards often fail to accommodate neurodiverse individuals.

Communication needs vary greatly among neurodiverse people.

Intersectionality plays a crucial role in understanding neurodiverse experiences.

Access to care is a significant barrier for many neurodiverse individuals.

Self-diagnosis can be a valid and empowering process.

Community support is essential for neurodiverse individuals.

Therapists should be aware of systemic issues affecting their clients.

Exploration and play are vital in understanding one's neurodiverse identity.

Mentioned in this Episode: NeeDoh https://myneedoh.com/

Queer Moment of Joy Guest 1: Manny They/Them @projectqla

Queer Moment of Joy Guest 2: Sage She/They @e_sage_

Hosts Bio:

Kristen Crowe LPCC, BC-DMT (they/them) Is Licensed Therapist, Dance Therapist, and Clinical Supervisor with Open Space Therapy Collective. Kristen specializes in working somatically with adults and partners to help heal the mind-body connection so you can feel more grounded and vibrant every day.

Ernesto Martinez APCC, AMFT (they/elle/he/el) is an Associate Therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Ernesto specializes in working with Adults, Teens, & Parents of Gender Expansive Children, Adult Children of (im)Migrants to transform challenges into stepping stones towards self-compassion, fulfillment, and confidence.

🌈 About Open Space Therapy Collective

Open Space Therapy Collective (OSTC) is a queer- and trans-led mental health collective built on the belief that therapy should feel like a place where every part of you belongs. Our team of LGBTQ+ and QTPOC therapists create space for healing that is affirming, justice-driven, and rooted in community care. From navigating identity to unpacking trauma to celebrating joy, OSTC is here for the full spectrum of queer experience.

To find more from us visit:

Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com

Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective

TikTok: @openspacetherapy

Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut

Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout

YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

Keywords: neurodiversity, neurodivergence, therapy, mental health, queer identity, self-diagnosis, community support, societal standards, communication, intersectionality

In part two, Mikey and Jennie return with Renae to move from personal stories into professional insight. As a Psych NP and ADHD Coach, they unpack the science of ADHD, the role of brain chemistry, and the ways misdiagnosis and stigma often cloud understanding. The conversation dives into medication, lifestyle strategies, and how neurodivergent brilliance can shine when supported instead of suppressed. From queerness and ADHD overlap to reclaiming creativity and authenticity, this episode is all about seeing ADHD as a source of power, not just struggle.

Takeaways

• ADHD can present differently based on gender and upbringing.

• Stimming is a common behavior in ADHD that helps with focus.

• Emotional regulation is a significant challenge for those with ADHD.

• There is a higher prevalence of ADHD in the queer community.

• Masking can lead to a loss of authenticity and self-identity.

• ADHD can often be misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression.

• Cultural perspectives greatly influence the understanding of ADHD.

• Positive traits of ADHD include creativity and spontaneity.

• Understanding brain chemistry is crucial for managing ADHD.

• Personal experiences with ADHD can vary widely, even within families.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Medications mentioned in episode:

Stimulant Medications: Adderall, Ritalin, Focalin, Concerta, Vyvanse, Dextroamphetamine, Amphetamine salts

Non-Stimulant Medications: Wellbutrin (bupropion), Strattera (atomoxetine), Guanfacine

Queer Moment of Joy Guest 1: Celena Pentagulio she/her

Queer Moment of Joy Guest 2: Kate she/her

Guest Bio :

Jennie Larsen, MA (she/her), is an education specialist working in San Jose, CA. She holds an elementary and a special education credential and has a masters in education leadership. Jennie is also an executive function coach. Her passion is making education accessible for all students, with focuses in phonics and executive functioning skills.

Mikey Whited RN, MSN, PMHNP-BC (they/them) is a psychiatric nurse practitioner working in Los Angeles, California. Mikey specializes in queer and trans psychiatric medication and mental health care for adults and older teens. Mikey is passionate about changing the psychiatry paradigm and providing quality medication education and care for clients in a way that will ACTUALLY work to help clients achieve their lifestyle goals.

Host Bio:

Renae Johnson, LPCC, ATR-BC (they/them) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and the Founder of Open Space Therapy Collective, a group practice offering affirming, social justice-driven mental health care for the LGBTQ+ & QTPOC community. With clinical expertise in complex trauma, identity development, and creative expression, Renae blends therapeutic depth with a commitment to equity and inclusion.

In addition to their clinical work, Renae produces community wellness events like Queerly Connected and is a founding member of the LA Queer Coalition, creating spaces where queer and trans people can gather, heal, organize, and celebrate.

As a speaker, consultant, and activist, Renae is passionate about building systems of care that honor the full humanity of queer and trans individuals—and equipping healthcare and wellness providers with the tools to do the same.

To find more from us visit:

Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com

Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective

TikTok: @openspacetherapy

Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut

Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout

YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

Keywords: #ADHD #ADHDAwareness #Neurodivergent #Neurospicy #Neurodiversity #Stimulants #NonStimulants #MentalHealthMeds #PsychiatricCare #BodyDoubling #RoutineBuilding #FidgetTools #QueerTherapist #QueerJoy #QueerCommunity #MentalHealthInQueerSpaces