We’re bringing together neurodivergent LGBTQIASB+ young people (18–25) for the Community Leadership Program, a space to question everything we think we know about leadership and recognise what’s always been there when we look through our own lens.
Leadership is already happening in our communities. You’re likely already doing it, thinking systemically, showing up for others in ways that don’t always get named as leadership, but absolutely are. This program names it, builds the language around it, and goes deeper into what leadership looks like when neurodivergent and LGBTQIASB+ identities aren’t the footnote, they’re the whole framework.
Who Are We?
We’re Enabled Youth Disability Network (EYDN) a crew of disabled young people and allies who believe the best people to shape the future of disability advocacy are disabled young people themselves. We’re running this program alongside Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) and state-based partners YDAS (Vic) and YDAN (WA).
Why This Program?
Neurodivergent and LGBTQIASB+ people have always been leaders, in cultural movements, and in the quiet persistent work of keeping communities alive. Nearly 5% of people with disability, identify as LGBTQIASB+. Around 6 in 10 LGBTQIA+ people are aged 16–34. Some studies suggest up to 70% of Autistic people describe themselves as something other than heterosexual. Our communities overlap deeply, and the creativity, lateral thinking and lived complexity at this intersection are exactly what visionary leadership is made of. Almost no leadership programs in Australia are built with that in mind. So, we came together and built one.
Who’s It For?
Neurodivergent LGBTQIASB+ young people aged 18–25. Neurodivergent is self-identifying, no formal diagnosis or NDIS participation required. All diverse gender expressions are welcome. If this sounds like you, put yourself forward.
What’s the Vibe?
Less lecture theatre, more community yap/yarn. Your lived experience is the expertise. Show up as your full self, at a pace that works for you, with people who genuinely get it.
What’s Involved?
Free. Running between July & December 2026. Five topic areas broken down and ran across weekly sessions: Building Leadership Foundations · Leadership in Context · Leadership Challenges · Our Community Ecosystem · Tools for Leaders. 12 participants selected for SA.
What’s in It for You?
Challenge the blueprint. Find your people. Build real skills. Shape what comes next.
Interested?
Fill out the Expression of Interest.
Need help or have questions? Call our Neurodivergent & Queer, Project Officer, Karina (she/her) on (08) 8102 0730 or email karinaw@purpleorange.org.au