I ALREADY THOUGHT OF THAT

Why do so many black women experience disrespect? How does intersectionality impact the experiences of neurodivergent black females? What impact does this constant hum of contempt have on black females with conditions like ADHD and Autism? How many times are the ideas of black female innovators and creatives, many of whom are fuelled by neurodivergent traits like monotropism and hyperfocus, acquired, rebranded, and repackaged for others to repurpose?

How often are the ideas, solutions and innovative approaches, generated by black females, stolen by others who would never deign to give them credit where credit is due. Often ideas are blatantly repurposed by others who present them as their own. To rub salt into the wound, these solutions to challenges are initially ignored, disregarded, or even derided to minimise and underplay their significance until the person putting the idea forward is not black or female, let alone neurodivergent. From the mouth of a female or male who is not black, the idea is suddenly transformed and lauded as genius, outstanding, a revelation.

So many forums ask for input from black females to obtain and acquire knowledge, but when the spoils are handed out, this vital and transformative IP is only perceived as such when it comes from their mouths of anyone who is not black nor female.

It's frustrating, tiring, and wears away at any aspirations towards fairness and equity. Even in forums where a black woman is clearly the designated expert, a position gained through decades of hard work, study and experience, their proposals are often dismissed and downplayed. Sometimes it goes as far as mocking. Black females are often taught by their families to be hyper resilient, to develop a thick skin. To walk around with strong body armour, to weather the constant drip drip of disrespect.

I certainly try not to be too negative, or even consciously err on the bright side. Lean towards optimism. But one also has to be realistic. Neurodivergence adds its own layer of additional complexity. What's more, neurodivergent traits are more likely to be perceived negatively when manifested in black female form. Instead of 'lively', you're described as disruptive. You're not a 'maverick', but argumentative. Rather than ambitious, you're aggressive or pushy.

These experiences are very real and happen often within environments populated by young and old, across genders and cultures. Is not a problem of old, but a problem of now that needs to be dismantled. one disrespectful trope at a time.