Twainbow

Twainbow Juneteenth Statement

Twainbow Admin — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 23:55:58 +0000

Let us all take a moment to remember the atrocities against POC on #Juneteenth, and the disparity for Autistic POC as well on this Holiday in the USA. There is far more that must be done in this world.

Also a reminder, Twainbow is always seeking to diversify our board and have more perspective from those that have different lived experiences.

We warmly welcome all individuals from underrepresented communities that are Autistic to apply to be on our board of directors and help us grow.

To apply, please submit your resume with a portrait of yourself and your activism work to: info@twainbow.org.

-Twainbow
#Juneteenth #ActuallyAutistic #Twainbow

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Autistic Pride Day | Breaking down all Barriers – Emerging from my Double Rainbow

Twainbow Admin — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 07:00:36 +0000

Corey Coloma, Twainbow Director

Autistic Pride Day was first celebrated in 2005 by Aspies For Freedom (AFF), with June 18th picked because it was the birthday of the youngest member of the group at that time.

Their intent was that it was for those that were both LGBT and Autistic to celebrate on this day. June is also LGBT Pride Month. I have a lot of pride in who I am as an actually autistic omnigender male-bodied individual. It was not always this way though.

Growing up I always knew I was attracted to guys. I knew that from a very young age. What I wouldn’t know for almost three decades was that I was autistic.

Coming out as gay separated me from many family members that disowned me for “choosing that lifestyle.” Being gay is not a choice. One does not choose to endure the hardships many of us often face.

The ‘Double Rainbow’: Creating a Full Life as LGBTQ and Autistic

Twainbow Admin — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 21:58:29 +0000

Corey Coloma - Director and Board Member, Operations

"I don't fit in the cookie-cutter mold," says Corey Coloma. "I am a unique individual. I am not the conventional person."

Fifteen years ago, an almost-21-year-old Coloma came out as gay to his mother and close friends. The following year he came out to the rest of his family. Some accepted him; others disowned him. Years later, he'd have other, major news to share with loved ones, and reactions were also mixed. Like sexuality, neurodiverse identity is complex, and as Coloma would learn, often oversimplified or just plain misunderstood.

In 2014, Coloma was diagnosed autistic, initially by a nurse practitioner then subsequently by three psychologists. While some thought it made sense, Coloma reveals, others were "telling me I couldn't be autistic [because of] a variety of stereotyped misconceptions about the autistic community." Often, autistic individuals are characterized as introverted, lacking a sense of humor, or focused on a singular "special interest." Even now, Coloma says, "most people ask me what my special interest is. They also see if I can pick up on humor."

Coloma's current job as Director of Operations for Twainbow, a "100 percent autistic-led organization" is all about fostering a community for LGBTQ autistic individuals—and dispelling the many misconceptions they encounter. A portmanteau of "two" and "rainbow," Twainbow advocates for those living under a "double rainbow," or the LGBTQ spectrum.

Through shared resources, an online group and a new "autism pride flag," Twainbow seeks to change the conversation around LGBTQ individuals on the autism spectrum. "We have been contacted from around the globe by people [who] were told it was not possible to be LGBTQI+ and also autistic," says Coloma. "Twainbow creates a place for our community to gather and share experiences. It ensures that people know they are not alone."

READ MORE at EDGE Media Network

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Six Organizations Helping People With Autism And Their Families

Twainbow Admin — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 00:27:56 +0000

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Autistic Pride Day: June 18th, 2020

Corey Coloma — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 00:38:42 +0000

Louis Molnar, Board Member

“Throughout childhood I was always the outsider. Geeky, socially inappropriate, independent and protective of my freedom, the natural tendency to fit in didn’t rule my life. And it’s not because I’m a natural rebel. Nothing could be further from the truth. I mean, this was the 1980s and individualism was not yet in vogue.

The challenge is that I wasn’t accepted on any level. Flamboyant and dressing in a classically feminine/androgynous way but also possessing what was called a “robotic demeanour” by students and educators alike, I hardly fit in. But I didn’t choose to be an outcast.

Even though I didn’t want it, I was forced to accept that being the odd person out was my world…and little did I know it would be my future.

It was little wonder then, in my last year of high school, that when I was found laying on the couch cuddling my boyfriend that I was homeless for the first time. Growing up in those earlier decades filled with homophobic violence, the looming spectre of death that only AIDS could provide, the ever-present need to stay alive – that sheer grit of survival – became real. But now that I chose to live life as a gay person on my own terms, and not having the luxury of the option of ever being in the closet at any rate, there was freedom to choose my own life. So that’s what I did, finding a rag-tag group of friends that became my version of a family.”

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A reflection of my last 5 years

Twainbow Admin — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 03:33:34 +0000

By: Corey Coloma, Twainbow Director

Five years ago today I was diagnosed as mildly autistic. This was commonly referred to as Asperger’s Syndrome. My life would never be the same. It was a pivotal moment when everything in my life suddenly made sense.

However, I quickly learned how mistreated people like myself are. I would find out how the world views autistic people and how society doesn’t have a clue at all.

People would start using functioning labels for me like I was some second class citizen. Before diagnosis people didn’t question my abilities in this manner. I was an independent adult that was capable of anything I wanted to accomplish. But afterwards, I was someone that was viewed as disabled and inferior to others.
I would eventually be told I needed to be on social security and have a case manager through the county developmental disability office and I would need someone to help me interact with society how they deemed appropriate.

This was not what I wanted. I just wanted to be happy and find a career I loved. People often don't think I'm autistic because I don't fit their narrow minded view of who we are. Many people thought I must just be schizophrenic or that I memorized the questions to get a diagnosis. I went to the Amen clinic to have brains scans done about 4 years ago to prove I was autistic. That changed things for me.

The State has rules designed to control our lives and the lives of all people with disabilities. They choose what's best for their view of us. Not what we actually desire.

People would tell me I was high functioning. Something that really just says my autism doesn’t affect their life. Something that says my opinion doesn’t matter because I'm not like the people they deem as low functioning. Functioning Labels are one of the most useless pieces of an autism diagnosis. They don’t tell the real story.

I am constantly treated like an inferior person by so many people. Everything I do is ridiculed. People assume I am incapable. They assume I can’t drive or I can’t pay for myself because I must not have adequate employment. There are so many assumptions. The stigma and mistreatment of autistic individuals is much worse than actually living as an autistic individual.

People think I will be unable to communicate but people like myself communicate directly. We do not hint or play charades. If you ask indirect questions of me or hint at me and I don't respond all you need to do is ask directly to get what you want answered. It's also great if you tell me the purpose of your question as I will see all possibilities and not know what you are trying to find out. You should also know that I'm generally a private person and if you are fishing for something I will likely ignore you.

In 5 years I have completely changed my life. I continue to progress and better myself. I achieve my goals and continue the path I have created for myself. I have attained the middle class status and live in a modest apartment alone. I have nothing to prove. I am who I am and I have learned to love myself more.

Corey Coloma, Twainbow Director

I don't need anyone to be complete. I would love to have a dedicated life partner. It's something difficult to find in today's society. But I know I am worthy of love and will make a great partner. I am free to live my life how I desire.

Five years ago was the first day of the rest of my life. My diagnosis would nearly destroy me with two suicide attempts and a lot of heartache from the abuse I would go through. But after it all I would prevail and be reborn like a phoenix from the ashes.

I did not give up because of my autism but because of a great many life circumstances and abuse by those that were supposed to protect me.

You can shame me for giving up or you can realize that the mental health stigma with men is one of the problems with society and why men have such turmoil with living with mental health conditions.

If someone you know and love talks as if there is no reason to live or that they are worthless, reach out to them. Don't tell them to man up and shame them. Don't disregard their feelings. Support them in getting the support they need to change their life.

I'm so thankful for Louie in my life. I wouldn't be where I am today without his loving guidance. I never would have been able to succeed without my therapist Lincoln Witt here in Eugene Oregon with his neurofeedback therapy that changed my life.

If you are in the Eugene area I highly recommend Lincoln Witt as a therapist. He works with people with disabilities and gender and sexuality diverse individuals and uses many ways to change your life including neurofeedback therapy that will fix PTSD, anxiety, depression and more. He takes most major insurance providers.

I never would have imagined where I am today without these people in my life.

I am thankful I was not diagnosed earlier in life for I would have grown up being told by the world that I was incapable and a second class citizen.

I have taken a great deal of time to think about where I want to be and what I want to accomplish and continue to progress towards that.

Please read my diagnosis story and where I am in life now at the following links.

With all things said you must keep in mind this is my story and not that of everyone. All of us are each unique individuals with different paths and different abilities.

Sincerely Yours,
Corey Coloma, Twainbow Director

Diagnosis Story: https://www.twainbow.org/2017/12/18/i-am-autism-diagnosis-at-30-a-broken-system/
My accomplishments: https://www.twainbow.org/2019/07/29/twainbow-defines-what-it-means-to-live-under-the-double-rainbow/

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Twainbow Defines What it Means to Live Under The Double Rainbow

Twainbow Admin — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 02:50:36 +0000

The post Twainbow Defines What it Means to Live Under The Double Rainbow appeared first on Twainbow.

PRESS RELEASE: Autistic Pride Day 2019

Twainbow Admin — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 13:58:13 +0000

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 Rowe, Current Twainbow Board Chair

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.

In honor of Autism Pride Day, Twainbow invites you to share your story of Autism Pride using #AutismPride2019 on Twitter, comments on Facebook, and comments below this post. Afterwards, check out these Autism Pride events!

Autistic Pride Events 2019
Twainbow Autistic Pride Day Event

Written by Lacie Rowe
Lacie Rowe is a graduate of the University of North Alabama and is currently pursuing her career in professional writing.

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Press Release

Twainbow Admin — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 13:24:37 +0000

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

The post Press Release appeared first on Twainbow.

“I am Autism”: Diagnosis at 30 – A Broken System

Twainbow Admin — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 09:53:26 +0000

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.

Corey Coloma, Twainbow Director

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.

I went to another psychologist at the county office to become eligible for services and get a personal support worker. My mother had to come in and explain that I had always been the person I was from birth and that I didn’t suddenly become Autistic. They couldn’t believe I was never taken in before for testing. My mother simply told them that, “Corey has always been Corey.” Nothing was wrong with me and there was no reason to take me in because I wasn’t broken and I didn’t need to be fixed. I was her child and she loved me for who I was. They told me I needed to be on Social Security instead of having a job.

I was found eligible for services. I was mistreated through the process. People told me I was “just so normal.” They couldn’t understand how someone like me went 30 years without a diagnosis. Some people suggested that I must be schizophrenic or that I had memorized the DSM to get a diagnosis during all of the months through the different steps. They were surprised that I could drive, that I had a job in sales. That I had a Facebook.

I felt like the one thing in my life that made sense was being ripped from my soul. My diagnosis of Asperger’s was the only thing that ever truly made sense to me and I felt like they were trying to steal it from me. Eventually, I lost the will to live. I was hospitalized and stayed at a facility for quite some time. I went on medical leave from work.

When I got out of the facility I tried to go back to work but I couldn’t deal with anything. I began searching for another way to prove that I was Autistic. I found the Amen Clinic in California. I booked the first appointment and spent almost my entire savings to have brain scans completed and they confirmed that I had mild Autism. I brought the results back to show everyone. I quit my job and started fighting for my future. I went back to Voc. Rehab where they gave me a job coach who suggested that I should be a janitor and ignored what I wanted to become. I fired him and worked with the counselor. I got a new job with my own hard work. I started making changes to better my life.

I rewrote my Person-Centered Information and made changes to my Individual Support Plan for the county. The county office decided I was doing so well that they sent me to another psychologist to be reevaluated. They sent my case manager to the appointment with me. Someone I had only met a handful of times helped determine my fate.

I was found to be ineligible for services, months after first becoming eligible. They found that despite having a confirmed diagnosis of Asperger’s I scored too high on their test to need services. I didn’t realize it then, but I had won. I was free from them. I had my independence and no one could take away my diagnosis. Every time I look to my past I see the progress I’ve made in creating a better future for myself. With my new job, I now provide the same services I was once told I needed.

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Twainbow

Twainbow Juneteenth Statement

Autistic Pride Day | Breaking down all Barriers – Emerging from my Double Rainbow

The ‘Double Rainbow’: Creating a Full Life as LGBTQ and Autistic

Six Organizations Helping People With Autism And Their Families

Autistic Pride Day: June 18th, 2020

A reflection of my last 5 years

Twainbow Defines What it Means to Live Under The Double Rainbow

PRESS RELEASE: Autistic Pride Day 2019

In honor of Autism Pride Day, Twainbow invites you to share your story of Autism Pride using #AutismPride2019 on Twitter, comments on Facebook, and comments below this post. Afterwards, check out these Autism Pride events!

Written by Lacie Rowe Lacie Rowe is a graduate of the University of North Alabama and is currently pursuing her career in professional writing.

Press Release

“I am Autism”: Diagnosis at 30 – A Broken System

“Someone I had only met a handful of times helped determine my fate.”

Written by Lacie Rowe
Lacie Rowe is a graduate of the University of North Alabama and is currently pursuing her career in professional writing.