06/02/2025
Happy Pride Month! -Finn
🌈 Why Pride Month Matters in the EDS & HSD Community
More than just a celebration, it's advocacy, inclusion, and visibility. 🦓🏳️🌈
Not All Stripes Are Black and White
Many people with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) or hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) also identify as LGBTQIA+. Pride Month is a time to honor every part of their identity.
Gender Diversity & EDS
📊In a 2023 study, 17% of adolescents with EDS reported experiencing gender dysphoria — a feeling of distress due to a mismatch between gender identity and s*x assigned at birth.
In comparison, just 1.3% of the general population identify as transgender or gender-diverse.
📖PMID: 36600979
Neurodivergence, EDS, HSD, & LGBTQIA+ Identity
🧠Research shows people with EDS or HSD are more likely to be neurodivergent (Autism, ADHD).
Neurodivergent people are also more likely to identify as LGBTQIA+, making this intersection vital to understand.
📖PMID: 33285919
Barriers in Healthcare
Transgender, neurodivergent, and chronically ill individuals often experience:
🔹Misdiagnosis
🔹Dismissal of symptoms
🔹Lack of inclusive, affirming care
These challenges compound and deserve focused attention.
Hormone Therapy & Tissue Impact
🏥Gender-affirming hormone therapy may affect connective tissue.
It’s important for clinicians working with patients with EDS or HSD to be aware of this.
Inclusive, informed care = better outcomes.
📖PMID: 19095501
Visibility = Belonging
Pride Month is a chance to highlight intersectional voices and ensure everyone in our dazzle feels seen, safe, and celebrated.
Inclusion isn’t a trend, it’s a commitment. 🏳️⚧️💜
Join the Conversation
🎤Our Let’s Chat: LGBTQIA+ group is a space to share, connect, and support.
Next meet-up: Wednesday, June 11 | 12:00 pm EST / 5:00 pm BST
🔗Register: ehlers-danlos.com/virtual-support