“Like a never-ending performance of myself”: trans autistic experiences of identity, camouflaging and the complex closet
4 affiliations
- 1Universitat Jaume I
- 2Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology
- 3University Institute of Educational Sciences (IUCE)
- 4Observatorio Nacional para las Neurodivergencias
Abstract
Introduction: Both camouflaging and closeting one self conceal identity traits that are deemed undesirable or reprehensible by society at large. They serve as a mean of survival in a world that discriminates against autistic and trans people, but frequently lead to exhaustion and disconnect. This study aims to better understand how autistic trans/gender-diverse individuals experience both camouflaging of their autistic traits and closeting of their trans identity, as well as the effects this has on their mental health and sense of self.
Methods: We analyzed the lived experience of 20 autistic trans/gender-diverse (TGD) individuals aged 15 to 48. Two questionnaires were administered through an online form: (i) A Spanish adaptation of the Gender-Diversity and Autism Questionnaire (Strang et al., 2023) and (ii) a qualitative questionnaire about gender identity and life experiences. Data analysis was conducted using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006; 2023).
Results: Following the qualitative analysis of the material, three major themes were constructed: Theme 1, “Trans autistic minds under pressure: ‘I was being denied my right to just be’ ”; Theme 2, “‘Acting like someone I don’t know how to be’: Camouflaging and closeting behaviors at the intersection”, and Theme 3, “Long-term effects: ‘Disconnected from myself and shunned from the world’”.
Discussion: Participants reported high levels of stress and trauma-related symptoms. They often felt like suppressing themselves was their only choice, even if it came at the expense of their own well-being. In order to alleviate their suffering, a more neuro- and trans-affirming society is needed.
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BibTeX
@article{clementesanchez2026like,
title = {{“Like a never-ending performance of myself”: trans autistic experiences of identity, camouflaging and the complex closet}},
author = {María Clemente-Sánchez and Irene Garcia-Molina and Ainhoa Rodríguez-Zafra and Erik Aostri and Amaia Nazabal},
journal = {Frontiers in Psychiatry},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1923413},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1923413/full},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - “Like a never-ending performance of myself”: trans autistic experiences of identity, camouflaging and the complex closet
AU - María Clemente-Sánchez
AU - Irene Garcia-Molina
AU - Ainhoa Rodríguez-Zafra
AU - Erik Aostri
AU - Amaia Nazabal
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/05
JO - Frontiers in Psychiatry
DO - 10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1923413
UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1923413/full
AB - Introduction: Both camouflaging and closeting one self conceal identity traits that are deemed undesirable or reprehensible by society at large. They serve as a mean of survival in a world that discriminates against autistic and trans people, but frequently lead to exhaustion and disconnect. This study aims to better understand how autistic trans/gender-diverse individuals experience both camouflaging of their autistic traits and closeting of their trans identity, as well as the effects this has on their mental health and sense of self. Methods: We analyzed the lived experience of 20 autistic trans/gender-diverse (TGD) individuals aged 15 to 48. Two questionnaires were administered through an online form: (i) A Spanish adaptation of the Gender-Diversity and Autism Questionnaire (Strang et al., 2023) and (ii) a qualitative questionnaire about gender identity and life experiences. Data analysis was conducted using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006; 2023). Results: Following the qualitative analysis of the material, three major themes were constructed: Theme 1, “Trans autistic minds under pressure: ‘I was being denied my right to just be’ ”; Theme 2, “‘Acting like someone I don’t know how to be’: Camouflaging and closeting behaviors at the intersection”, and Theme 3, “Long-term effects: ‘Disconnected from myself and shunned from the world’”. Discussion: Participants reported high levels of stress and trauma-related symptoms. They often felt like suppressing themselves was their only choice, even if it came at the expense of their own well-being. In order to alleviate their suffering, a more neuro- and trans-affirming society is needed.
SN - 1664-0640
ER -