A welcome, an introduction, and an invitation

Luke shares their experiences and invites you to join our LGBTQIA+ community for people living with axial SpA.

If you are part of the LGBTQIA+ whilst also living with axial SpA, welcome. If you are questioning, newly diagnosed, somewhere on a long waiting list, or simply exhausted from explaining yourself in rooms that don’t quite fit, again welcome. This is a community for LGBTQIA+ people living with axial SpA.

I am 1 year into having had my diagnosis, having spent 5 years trying to work out what was going on. In this small time of post diagnosis, I have felt the need to have a space to connect with people who understand not only axial SpA but also the dynamics of the LGBTQIA+ world.

We cannot understate the need for spaces and places where we can talk about biologics and bisexuality in the same breath. Where the exhaustion of flare days and the exhaustion of coming out can both be held. Where topics like chosen family, pronouns, sexuality and gender can be discussed if needed and are accepted without question.

For me, as a demisexual non-binary person who is male-bodied, I don’t want or need stereotypes to inform the care and support I receive nor how I cope or manage pain. I want a space where I don’t have to self-edit or second guess myself when connecting with others. I need a space where I can speak freely and openly about how these two aspects of my life turn up with each other and how they interact. I want and I need to be connected and around those who “get it”.

And so here it is, the start of the NASS LGBTQIA+ community. There is no set agenda, but it is intentional and it is ours. We welcome all suggestions of how to nurture and nourish this community and so please join me and any others who wish to be involved by using the below link to the WhatsApp group.

Go gentle,

Luke

To become part of our WhatsApp community, simply follow this link to join the NASS Connect WhatsApp Community, then select Pride in Motion under the group chats to join the welcoming conversation

If you have any difficulties joining, please email zoe@nass.co.uk