In the same way I reject hierarchy, I also do not feel the need to have intense contact with others. Because of this, I question monogamous relations. Autistic people are more likely to not identify with conventional genders and sexualities. One Swedish survey reports that autistic adults were three times more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ compared with the wider population. In another US clinical report, 70% of individuals responded as being non-heterosexual. As queer people we are in fact over-represented in the autistic community, but it is stigma and lack of ‘true awareness’ which prevents us from being represented in queer culture.

Societal bias exists towards those who have developmental and neurological conditions. We are often seen without sexual autonomy, often ‘infantilised’, or we are objectified or rejected within queer spaces. These thoughts seem to be at odds within queer culture, which puts an extreme emphasis on belonging and identity.

Due to our differences in sensory processing, spaces both physically and dating apps have been constructed often for abled people, limiting our access to and potential shared exchange of physical connection within queer spaces, apps, and platforms. As in Intimacy In An Age Of Physical Absence 2020, my paintings assess the interactions within mobile apps communicating the perception of ‘touch’ and emphasising the experience of living in a body rather than observing one which is at odds with ableist barriers around us.

Queer culture appears to have an issue with intersectionality, especially towards those with disabilities. Conversations often revolve around mental health, which many autistic people experience. However, when it comes to deafness, autism, physical, learning, and cognitive disabilities there I feel there is little representation. This would require those from the LGBTQ+ community to confront their own prejudices and stereotypes to recognise others, educate themselves, and address it from within.

This issue around lack of belonging and possible isolation is relevant to the autistic community. Recent autistic research suggests around 80% of autistic people experience isolation in society, which is something similarly experienced by the LGBTQ+ community. For those who live in rural and less urbanised areas where there is fewer access to networks this issue is even more intense, as many queer individuals strive to find meaningful connections with others. Precious Boys 2016 is my vigil to this social health crisis, with bodily forms resting on imaginary landscapes, acting as both a refuge and a wasteland of youth.