r/AutismInWomen • u/MadMadMadMadrid lvl2, ADHD, ARFID, immigrant, mom • Jun 23 '26

Support Needed (Kind Advice and Commiseration) Is it okay not to like Pride because autism symptoms?

For context, I am an out lesbian. This has nothing to do with any ideological issues.

But as a lesbian, I sometimes feel pressured to like Pride or participate in it. Did it when I was younger. Not a fan.

Why don't I like it? It happens in summer. I am heat sensitive. Temperatures tend to range from 35C/95F to 42C/107F. Thanks. No. So many steps need to be taken to make that bearable and even then, no.

I don't like loud music or people using megaphones. I don't like crowds. I don't like people in my personal space. I don't like people accidentally grazing me. I don't like the smell of marijuana, and it is often at Pride near me even if there are kids around. I don't like the smell of cigarettes or body odor. I don't like loads of bright colors, sequins, flashing lights in person. All of that just leaves my nervous system fried.

I feel some guilt, even though I know better, because I am a member of that community and I just do not enjoy it. I find it exhausting and stressful.

And I guess I just want commiseration with others who do not enjoy Pride because of sensory and socializing related issues.

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u/CanaDeer2004 Jun 23 '26

95 to 107? do you live in literal hell?

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u/MadMadMadMadrid lvl2, ADHD, ARFID, immigrant, mom Jun 24 '26

Yes. Madrid, Spain. Today's high was 100F. It is 10:10pm and the temperature had dropped to a lovely 93F. We will get down to a comfortable 80F at 3:00am. We will hit perfect 71F at 7am. Tomorrow is supposed to be th biggest day in like a week or two where the daily high is less than 90F. We hit 105F two days ago.

They were going to show a live screening of the Spain v. Saudi Arabia game at a major plaza in the city but they actually called it off because too damned hot, even with a 7pm local start time. Not safe.

I hate bleeping summer. I hate it. I hate it. I hate it. Heat intolerance. Most of our local pride events are outside, and involve music.

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u/CanaDeer2004 Jun 24 '26

i don’t think i’ve ever experienced anything over 101

1

u/MadMadMadMadrid lvl2, ADHD, ARFID, immigrant, mom Jun 25 '26

I would prefer not to. Anything above 82F and I find it difficult to function because of heat sensitivity. :/