LGBTQIA+ Neurodivergents Unite! (Queer Meetup 1) 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Welcome to a special LGBTQIA+ focused event from Neurodivergents Unite, the East Bay Neurodivergents Meetup! Come one come all, bring a friend, game, or your latest hyperfixation!

This is our first event for, and by, the LGBTQIA+ Neurodivergents among us! Allies are absolutely welcome, but this event is first and foremost a safe space for those of us wanting to explore and discuss intersections of neurodivergence and queerness. We are explicitly a safe space for all races, ethnicities, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, romantic attractions, or any lack thereof (ace/aro folks, you're welcome here!), as well as those questioning or just starting their journeys. We will have some discussion and icebreaker opportunities, for those who want to participate more actively.

Otherwise, this meetup will be relatively unstructured, allowing for attendees to choose their own adventure -- maybe crafting? or board or card games? or just engage in fun conversation with a neighbor? Ooo maybe learn something new about someone's special interest!

Please also consider filling out our new NDU Meetup feedback survey! This survey is tailored to help the hosts better understand the types of events and activities our community wants. Entirely anonymous and optional, and super helpful: Feedback Survey

Please note the following agenda:
7:00 - 7:15 - Doors open (explore, converse, decompress)
7:15 - 7:20 - Host introductions, space orientation, and opening remarks
7:20 - 7:35 - What does queerness and neurodivergence mean to you?
7:35 - 8:30 - Free unstructured time!
8:30 - 8:45 - Closing circle and remarks

Anyone who would like to help clean up after is welcome to. The event will be free for anyone who wants to attend. Donations are welcome. As always, I’m open to feedback on how to make things even better :)

The next general meetup will be held on 12/9.

Our events are held every other week for the General Meetings; spinoff groups (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, etc) do not have a regular meeting cadence at this time. On weeks that no general NDU meetup is held, we are exploring spinoff groups— these will be posted when scheduled. Some of our events have structured activities, while some events are more open and unstructured. We play board games, do art and crafts, socialize, and discuss our journeys and share resources with each other. Come join us!

Some reminders and information about NDU and Firehouse:

• There are multiple levels to the space and some accommodations for different sensory and mobility needs are available.
• For those who prefer quieter spaces the upper levels are available. For those who prefer louder more social spaces the bottom levels are available as well. A tour will be offered.
• Street parking Is available around the area and it is near a Bart Station.
• We will use a color coding system (red, yellow, green) to indicate social battery levels.
• We have a framework for having and navigating difficult conversations available, if it is helpful.
• We have periodic break reminders for body and wellness checks.
• Reminder that consent is about both personal space AND other kinds of intimacy in words, attention, or sharing of information.

Our Group's Mission: To provide space and resources to foster connection and community for neurodiverse adults via shared interests. To create safe spaces for marginalized and neurodivergent communities in the Oakland Bay Area. Our commitment means we will focus on, foster, and not shy away from difficult conversations about the intersections of our identities.

If you are able to, please fill out the below survey for our collaborators and venue hosts, Firehouse Projects: Firehouse Projects Survey Link