Name: Uncomfortable Labels
ISBN: 9781785925870

Laura Kate Dale

A ground-breaking memoir that explores how the author's gender identity and sexuality interrelate with her autism diagnosis. It follows the author from childhood through to her late twenties and includes wide-ranging essays on autism and gender.

My Life As a Gay Autistic Trans Woman

Uncomfortable Labels

Archer

I’d like to start with the agknowlegment that because this book is a memoir, it is automatically #OwnVoices. The book overall is good. I like how Laura makes connections between being autistic and being trans. Her audience is most likely less informed(?). IDK how to word it so that it’s not ableist, but basically, she wrote it with informing and teaching people both about autism and about what it means to be trans. Also, I totally understand that language and labels are a personal choice, and I know I shouldn’t be, but Laura’s use of person first language (“person with autism” vs “autistic person”) sort of annoyed me. Side note for people in school reading this: always use identity first language unless an actual disabled person (or a #ActuallyAutistic person) tells you otherwise. She also uses “ASD” and “autism spectrum disorder” which also feels weird because autism isn’t really a disorder, it’s a neurodivergence. Also, towards the beginning, she discusses “male” and “female” presenting autism, which LITERALLY DOES NOT EXIST.

Laura tackles a variety of issues while also teaching the reader. Many of the issues are listed in the Trigger Warning section as they are common triggers, but the gist of those can be assumed. She also talks about common stereotypes and representation issues. I’m really glad that she actually talks about how some people will NEVER pass. She talks about the lack of accessibility in queer spaces (which hurts both disabled people and teens). Laura’s discussion on stimming is really important. It made me feel seen. Her mention of happy flapping made me so happy because it’s so discouraged by society.

It’s interesting to learn about the medical system in the UK. I know about the US system, and a bit about Canada and Australia, but I had no idea how the NHS (National Health System) works in the UK.

Although slow and intense in the beginning, the ending made up for it. I LOVED the section on roller derby because its something I sort of want to try. I could basically hear how much Laura loves it and I’m so happy for her. Despite the rocky start, the book worked it’s way up to a 4 star rating. I really need to start reading more trans memoirs. Comment below if you have recommendations.

Jelke Lenaerts

This book has content warnings for suicide, transphobia, substance addiction, sexual assault and rape.

I RECEIVED A GALLEY OF THIS THROUGH NETGALLEY.

I think this book gives a great insight into being trans and having autism and how to fit into the world when you are trans and autistic. This book has a combination of statistics as well as the personal experience of the author, which I thought was pretty interesting. The writting is also pretty accesible and easy to read. However, I found this book to be a bit long winded at times. Some parts just dragged out a little bit too much and there was also just a lot of repetetiveness.

Uncomfortable Labels My Life As a Gay Autistic Trans Woman

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