Join hosts Simeon Thompson and Dr Sophia Christophi as they welcome Katie Munday, a community researcher, advocate, and the self-proclaimed "permanently exhausted" creator of 'Autistic and Living the Dream'. In this episode, Katie discusses their experiences of navigating the crucial intersections of being trans and autistic, and breaking down the systemic barriers they face in healthcare and academia.
Katie shares their journey to a late "two-for-one" diagnosis of autism and OCD, an awakening sparked by their work with neurodivergent youth. This experience serves as a launchpad for a deep dive into core concepts like ableism and cisgenderism, and how these oppressive systems combine to create a "cisgenderism-ableism nexus" that marginalises trans and autistic people. The conversation unpacks the frustrating reality of healthcare inequity, powerfully illustrated by the concept of "trans broken arm syndrome," where every health issue is wrongly attributed to a person's trans identity.
The episode also shines a light on powerful, community-led activism. Katie gives an insider's account of the successful Boycott Spectrum 10K campaign, a grassroots movement that challenged a major genetic research project. This leads to a profound and radical critique of academia itself, as Katie questions whether true liberation can be achieved within systems that were not built for neurodivergent or marginalised people, asking the vital question: "What happens when the roof falls in?"
This is an essential listen for anyone interested in the intersections of neurodivergence, gender identity, and disability rights. Katie’s powerful voice, extensive knowledge, and unwavering commitment to their community provide a deeply validating perspective that challenges assumptions and inspires action. It’s a conversation that is as joyful as it is critical, offering a vital roadmap for building a more inclusive and just world.
Recommended resources from this episode:
- Autistic and Living the Dream: Katie’s website, blog, and central hub for their research, training, and consultancy work. Visit at: https://www.autisticltd.co.uk/
- The Double Empathy Reader edited by Damian Milton: The book discussed in the episode which explores the theory of the Double Empathy Problem. Katie contributed a chapter on the healthcare experiences of trans autistic people.
Exploring the Experiences of Autistic Transgender and Non-Binary Adults in Seeking Gender Identity Health Care: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2023.0003
Exploring Autistic Sexualities, Relationality, and Genders Living Under a Double Rainbow: https://www.routledge.com/Exploring-Autistic-Sexualities-Relationality-and-Genders-Living-Under-a-Double-Rainbow/Rosqvist-Day-Krazinski/p/book/9781032576114
- Autistic Substance Use Network – A home for research into Autistic substance use
The Palgrave Handbook of Research Methods and Ethics in Neurodiversity Studies: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-66127-3
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Editorial leads - Dr Chris Papadopoulos, Mr James Gordon, Simeon Thompson and Dr Sophia Christophi