25/05/2026
After significant reflection, Khadija Gbla and I have made the decision to withdraw from participation in the Yellow Ladybugs conference.
This was not a decision we made lightly.
Over recent months, there has been substantial harm, distress, and rupture within parts of the broader Autistic community connected to circumstances that remain unresolved for us. We recognise that many people involved have been trying to navigate this situation with differing perspectives, capacities, and understandings.
At the same time, we need to be clear about our position.
At present, we do not feel that continuing our involvement aligns with our values, our wellbeing, or our understanding of what accountability, cultural safety, and community care need to look like moving forward.
We are also deeply aware that our participation would communicate something to the wider community. Our work has always attempted to centre those who are made most marginalised within Neurodivergent spaces, particularly Indigenous and First Nations community members. This decision is therefore not based solely on how these events have impacted us personally, but also on the impact this situation has had on members of the broader community we aim to advocate alongside, create safety for, and represent with integrity.
This decision is not about creating further division. It is about recognising our own boundaries, honouring the impact this experience has had on us and others, and stepping back from spaces that no longer feel sustainable for us to participate in.
We remain deeply committed to neurodiversity-affirming, anti-racist, disability justice-informed work, and to continuing conversations about accountability, repair, and community care in ways that reduce harm rather than compound it.
To those who have offered care, support, and genuine attempts at understanding throughout this process - thank you. It has mattered more than you know.
