The month of June is international pride month. And since 2005, Autism Pride Day has also been celebrated around the world. But then, what is it and what does this day represent? We will explain everything to you !
The beginnings of this day
During the month of June each year, during a weekend the pride market takes place. This march highlights the LGBTQIA+ community every year. Often these marches welcome thousands of people. So many people can also mean too much sensory stimulation, which may not be compatible with autism disorders. This is why this day was created: to allow people with ASD to celebrate their pride while respecting their limits.
It was in 2005 that the first Autism Pride Day was born. Created at the initiative of the Aspies For Freedom (AFF) association, this day aims to highlight people on the autism spectrum and their place in the LGBTQI+ community. Autism Pride Day is declared on June 18.
What do we do during this day?
During Autism Pride Day, many events take place all over the world. For example, picnics, walks or even in certain cases, according to the AFF, gatherings over several days. However, the activities depend greatly on the organizations that carry them out.
In 2020, due to COVID-19, all events had to be dematerialized: thus creating webinars and online meetings to continue to celebrate diversity and neurodiversity despite restrictions.
Reclaiming pride
This day aims to reaffirm the place of people on the autism spectrum within the LGBTQIA+ community. Moreover, for some people on the autism spectrum, celebrating autism pride does not necessarily mean having a big event. For Kabie Brook, the organizer of Inverness Austistic Pride, sometimes it’s just about being free to ‘stim’ however you want, or just letting your body express itself without feeling ashamed.
Additionally, the symbol of this day is a rainbow infinity symbol. It represents infinite diversity and all the possibilities that can be linked to it!
So, on this Tuesday, June 18, we wish you a happy Autistic Pride Day!
