Twainbow
People Living Under a Double-Rainbow
Each summer on June 18th, Autistic Pride Day is celebrated worldwide. Using social media and public events, organizations and individuals celebrate the neurodiversity of people on the autism spectrum, many of whom also identify with the LGBTQI+ community. There are several symbols of this celebration, such as the rainbow infinity sign. Another symbol of this celebration is a flag with three vertical lines in the primary colors: red, green, and blue. When combined, these colors create all of the other colors of the rainbow and “represent the overlap of autism onto every other Pride gradient, since those on the autism spectrum are found in every country, sex, race, religion, and sexual orientation.”
The white infinity sign at the center of the flag symbolizes the infinite diversity of the people who the flag represents. Thanks to the design efforts and voting of Twainbow’s online community members in 2015, the Autistic Pride Flag is proudly waved not only on Autistic Pride Day, but every day. Twainbow seeks to educate, connect, and empower those who live under the double-rainbow of the LGBTQI+ community and the Autism Spectrum. The organization is proud to continue this mission with the assistance of a new board chair, Tony Rowe.
Tony began contributing to Twainbow’s mission by volunteering his technology skills. He redesigned the official website and created an early version of Twainbow’s newsletter, which is debuting today. While Tony’s position as the board chair is primarily to preside over board meetings, he hopes to assist his fellow Twainbow leaders in bringing awareness to the challenges and successes of those living under the double-rainbow by reaching out to individuals who are willing to share their stories – stories that deserve to be heard.
Tony’s story began when he came out as gay as a teenager and was later diagnosed with ADD. After being placed in a “special education” class, Tony realized he was not like other people and struggled with bullying and depression. After overcoming this dark time in his life, Tony became active in the LGBTQI+ and mental health communities. In 2016, he was formally diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder without intellectual or language impairment. Since joining Twainbow and meeting others like himself, Tony has found a sense of understanding and belonging and has made great strides in his own personal growth. As part of Twainbow’s leadership team, he hopes to help others do the same and sees no better time to officially begin than on Autism Pride Day.
Autistic Pride Events 2019
Twainbow Autistic Pride Day Event
February 14, 2019
Today we’re celebrating the three year anniversary of the Official Press Release of the Autism Pride Flag. Twainbow is also thrilled to announce the Twainbow Shop. There you can find merchandise available for purchase with the Autism Pride Flag and our Logo.
-The Twainbow Team
By: Corey Coloma
In my late twenties, I became more self-aware. I started realizing just how different I was from my peers. I met someone that intrigued me at a local guy’s night with other gay men. Then, one day he shared with me that he was diagnosed with Asperger’s. I had never heard of Asperger’s. I simply nodded and had no idea what to say. Later that night, I Googled it and found its ties with Autism. I couldn’t see the characteristics of Autism I was taught about in my youth in him.
Over time I could see how similar we were. I would watch him and I would focus on my own characteristics. Then, one night another friend asked him how the diagnosis process works and a light went off in my head.
I went home and started Googling tests for Asperger’s and came across one called Aspie Quiz. It was quite lengthy. When I finished, I scored 175 out of 200 on the neurodiverse side and only 34 on the neurotypical side of the scale. I thought I might fit the criteria for Asperger’s syndrome.
I went to my primary care physician and told her I’d like to go through the diagnosis process. Two months later I went for a visit with a psychiatric nurse practitioner at the same office. After a series of questions, the man told me that I had the signs of Asperger’s. I was then told I would have another appointment 2 months later to talk about it. I couldn’t believe I had to wait two more months.
I became hysterical in the office as no one was helping me. They took me to a therapist there. I started seeing her regularly. I started reading books about Autism. The first book I read was Thinking in Pictures by Temple Grandin. My whole life suddenly made sense to me. Someone knew what it was like living life as I did.
A few months later I learned that I could go to Voc. Rehab to get a new job. When I went there I had to see a psychologist to go through an extensive diagnosis process again because I was informed the previous person was not qualified to diagnose me. People started treating me like I was disabled and not an equal person. People treated me like I was unintelligent despite having an IQ at the top of the charts. The psychologist also found me to be on the Autism spectrum and that I would qualify for services. I was told I needed case management services at the county office.
