Associations Between LGBTQIA+ Personal and Social Identity Dimensions and Well-Being in an International Sample of Autistic Adolescents and Adults

Background: Sexual and gender diversity is greater in Autistic populations than in non-autistic populations, yet little research has been conducted to understand what resources related to sexual and gender identity may promote well-being and flourishing among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) Autistic people. We characterized sample sexual and gender diversity and tested associations of LGBTQIA+ personal and social identity dimensions with well-being outcomes using a strengths-based approach. Methods: Using a subsample of Autistic participants ( n = 98; ages 16–54) of the Queer Joy Project conducted in Aotearoa New Zealand and the United States (2023–2024), linear regression tested associations between LGBTQIA+ identity dimensions (centrality, cognitive clarity, affective pride, behavioral engagement, and interpersonal closeness) and holistic well-being, flourishing, and life satisfaction. Results: The sample was 72% transgender, 40% nonbinary, 33% asexual spectrum, and 26% Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color. LGBTQIA+ personal and social identity dimensions significantly predicted well-being ( β = 0.30), flourishing ( β s = 0.25–0.40), and life satisfaction ( β s = 0.30–39). Behavioral engagement with LGBTQIA+ people, community, and culture, a social identity dimension, was the strongest and most consistent predictor of well-being outcomes. Well-being outcomes were lower among participants who were asexual or experiencing economic insecurity. Conclusion: Facilitating personal sexual and gender identity development and integration and connection with LGBTQIA+ others may be important processes for promoting and supporting well-being and flourishing for LGBTQIA+ Autistic people. Services and programming for Autistic adolescents and adults should be attuned to the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ Autistic adolescents and adults and the opportunities for promoting well-being through facilitation of LGBTQIA+ identity development and social connections.