Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
LightNews LightNews
banner
awnnetwork.org
Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
@awnnetwork.org
1.9K followers 130 following 130 posts
AWN is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt non-profit. We are committed to disability justice, gender & racial equity, neurodiversity & trans liberation with a focus on transformative and restorative justice in disability spaces.
awnnetwork.org
Posts Replies Media Videos
Reposted by Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
ninahatfield.bsky.social
"I'm honored to be your ancestor" - Alice Wong

Thank you, Alice.
November 15, 2025 at 6:09 AM
Reposted by Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
juliametraux.bsky.social
What a privilege it is to be a younger disabled person in a community shaped by Alice Wong. Rest in peace, Alice.
November 15, 2025 at 8:19 AM
awnnetwork.org
AWN honors Native American Heritage Month, and celebrates the TWO SPIRIT, (ALSO: 2SPIRIT, 2S, or TWO-SPIRIT)
people of Indigenous North America then & now
[image description: Image one: Illustration and text against a colorful background. The background is divided into four squares that each are shaded in different colors of: muted maroons, goldenrod yellow, grey and white. At top in bold black text reads: “AWN HONORS NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH November 2025” celebrating the Two-Spirit people of Indigenous North America then & now.” On the left hand side of the square is a digital illustration depicting Bobby Sanchez, an Indigenous Quechua Wari Two Spirit singer, performer, and slam poet. They have long, wavy dark brown hair, are wearing dangly earrings. She is wearing a multi color cut-out crop top which is in shades of goldenrod, teal and maroon, including yellow gloves. In the lower right hand corner is the AWN logo: a large pink “a” with a pale teal, winged dragonfly. Below the “a” is our url: awnnetwork dot org ] Image two: Illustration and text against a colorful background. The background is divided into four squares that each are shades in different colors of: a soft, muted maroon, goldenrod yellow, grey and white. At top in bold black text reads: “TWO SPIRIT ALSO: 2SPIRIT, 2S, or TWO-SPIRIT” Digital illustration is a depiction of Sean Snyder (Northern Ute, Shoshone-Bannock, and San Carlos Apache) and Adrian Matthias Stevens (Navajo and Southern Ute), who are Indigenous Two Spirit dancers at powwows across Turtle Island. The couple are shown embracing with Adrian behind Sean and having his arms around him with their hands intertwined. Sean and Adrian each have short dark brown hair, gold earrings, and are wearing matching white outfits which feature handmade beadwork in beautifully intricate designs along the forearm / cuff in vibrant shades of green, blue yellow and red. In the upper right hand mustard yellow square is black text reading: “Two Spirit (also: 2Spirit, 2S, or Two-Spirit) is a term developed in modern Native American organizing spaces for any Indigenous person under the LGBTQIAP+ umbrella who identifies as embodying masculine and feminine energies.” In the lower right hand corner is the AWN logo: a large pink “a” with a pale teal, winged dragonfly. Below the “a” is our url: awnnetwork dot org ] • Image three: Illustration and text against a colorful background. The background is divided into four squares that each are shades in different colors of: soft muted maroon, goldenrod yellow, grey and white. At top center is black text reading: “The concept of what we now call Two Spirit is a concept that has always existed in many Indigenous cultures, each with their own words and social roles for Two Spirit people.” On the left hand side of the photo is a depiction of Nenookaasi Ogichidaa, a Two Spirit Afro-Anishinaabe powwow dancer and educator. She has long black hair which is down and falling around her shoulders. They are wearing a black hoodie style top that zips up and has a front pocket, and are shown looking off to her side. In the lower right hand corner is the AWN logo: a large pink “a” with a pale teal, winged dragonfly. Below the “a” is our url: awnnetwork dot org Image four: Illustration and text against a colorful background. The background is divided into four squares that each are shades in different colors of: soft muted maroon, goldenrod yellow, grey and white. At the top of the image is bolded black text that reads: “Two Spirit people traditionally had specific, important roles in Indigenous nations. This Native American Heritage Month we celebrate Two-Spirit people as valued members of our community.” Across the left hand side of the graphic is a digital illustration depicting Kairyn Potts, a Two Spirit Winkte man, Indigenous youth advocate, comedian, and actor from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation. Kai has shoulder length brown hair which is swept back, and has on bright green and pinkish red eye shadow, brownish lipstick and has on fish scale earrings. He is wearing a brownish yellow jacket, with fringe along the sleeves and on both sides of the coat under his shoulders. He has a black collared shirt on underneath and has his hands clasped with a hint of a smile on his face. In the lower right hand corner is the AWN logo: a large pink “a” with a pale teal, winged dragonfly. Below the “a” is our url: awnnetwork dot org End image description. ]
November 12, 2025 at 10:49 PM
awnnetwork.org
Three weeks until #GivingTuesday
From AWN Art Director Erin Casey, reason number 3: Liberation

www.mightycause.com/organization...
[image description: Illustration and text against a white and purple background. At top, text in mostly black (with a little pink) reads: “3 WEEKS UNTIL GIVING TUESDAY & We’re counting down the top 5 reasons to give to AWN… REASON TO GIVE NUMBER 3:” In a large rectangular shaped speech box is black font reading: ‘Giving liberates the soul of the giver’- Maya Angelou In the lower right hand comer is white and pale blue text reading: “SAVE THE DATE: GIVING TUESDAY IS DECEMBER 2, 2025!” In the lower left hand corner is a variation of the awn logo: a large pink heart with a pale blue, winged spoonie dragonfly. Below is our url: awnnetwork dot org. The text is against a purple and white background.
November 11, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Reposted by Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
pyrpawed.bsky.social
Fewer than 10 staffers are believed too be left to do work once "handled by more than 100 people at the Office of Special Education Programs....It’s unclear how many people remain at the Office for Civil Rights, which handles complaints of disability discrimination."
November 6, 2025 at 4:46 PM
awnnetwork.org
Counting down and it's four weeks until #GivingTuesday! We're featuring the top 5 reasons to give in this series from AWN Art Director, Erin Casey.

Number 4: Healing

www.mightycause.com/organization...
[image description: Illustration and text against a white and purple background. At top, text in mostly black (with a little pink) reads: “4 WEEKS UNTIL GIVING TUESDAY & We’re counting down the top 5 reasons to give to AWN… REASON TO GIVE NUMBER 4: COMMUNITY” In a large oval shaped speech bubble is black font reading: “I think it is healing behavior, to look at something so broken and see the possibility and wholeness in it” - Adrienne Maree Brown In the lower right hand comer is white and pale blue text reading: “SAVE THE DATE: GIVING TUESDAY IS DECEMBER 2, 2025” In the lower left hand corner is a variation of the awn logo: a large pink heart with a pale blue, winged spoonie dragonfly. Below is our url: awnnetwork dot org. The text is against a purple and white background. ]
November 4, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Reposted by Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
eisforerin.bsky.social
“When autistic trans and nonbinary artists share their voices, they show how art and activism can work together to create meaningful change.” ❤️ Love this, from AWN’s new digital media intern Makayla
October 28, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Reposted by Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
publichealthguy1.bsky.social
lots of misinformation out there about helping folks on SNAP. this is a free, useful guide from an expert who knows the system & the burden of means testing ⬇️
matthewcort.land Matthew Cortland (they) @matthewcort.land · 19d
I firmly believe, with every single atom of my being, that instead of amplifying unreliable information that discourages helping, our focus as 42 million Americans face hunger must be on providing factual information that enables people to help.

www.patreon.com/posts/142285...
How To Help People Who Rely On SNAP While Minimizing Risk To Their Benefits | Matthew Cortland
Get more from Matthew Cortland on Patreon
www.patreon.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM
awnnetwork.org
AWN's latest newsletter in honor of LGBTQIAP+ History Month. Written by Makayla Allen, Digital Media Intern.
LGBTQIAP+ History Month 2025 - Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
A Month of Remembrance & Reflection Every October, we celebrate LGBTQIAP+ History Month. This month lets us remember the contributions of the LGBTQIAP+ community, both past and present. For the Autist...
awnnetwork.org
October 28, 2025 at 8:31 PM
awnnetwork.org
AWN is counting down the weeks until #GivingTuesday with 5 reasons to give!

Number 5: Community
[image description: Illustration and text against a white and purple background. At top, text in mostly black (with a little pink) reads: “5 WEEKS UNTIL GIVING TUESDAY & we’re counting down the top 5 reasons to give to AWN… REASON TO GIVE NUMBER 5: COMMUNITY” In a large oval shaped speech bubble is black font reading: “Without community, there is no liberation” - Audre Lorde In the lower right hand corner is white and pale blue text reading: “SAVE THE DATE: GIVING TUESDAY IS DECEMBER 2, 2025” In the lower left hand corner is a variation of AWN’s logo: a large pink heart with a pale blue, winged spoonie dragonfly. Below is our url: awnnetwork dot org. The text is against a purple and white background. ] Artwork / series is drawn by Erin Casey, AWN Art Director
October 28, 2025 at 3:19 PM
awnnetwork.org
AWN celebrates Ace Week!
[image description: Illustration and text against a grey and black gradient background. Text at top in black reads: “AWN Celebrates Ace Week October 19-25 with appreciation for all on the asexual & aromantic spectrums” Across the image are illustrations of playing cards. The two most forward facing cards are the Ace of diamonds and the Ace of hearts. The card on the left is the Ace of diamonds, and the diamonds are shaded in using horizontal stripes in the colors of the Asexual Pride flag: black, grey; white and purple. The card on the right is the Ace of hearts, and the hearts on the card are shaded in using horizontal stripes in the colors of the Aromantic Pride flag: dark green, light green, white, gray, and black. In the lower left hand corner is the awn logo: a large pink “a” with a teal winged spoonie dragonfly on the “a”. Below is awn’s url: awnnetwork dot org. ]
October 24, 2025 at 11:43 PM
awnnetwork.org
Introducing AWN's new Co-Executive Director, Jules Edwards. Read all about this exciting news in our latest newsletter!
Introducing: Jules Edwards, Co-Executive Director - Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
I’ve got some exciting news to share with our community today! As the founding Executive Director of the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, I’m beyond thrilled to introduce Jules Edwards as AWN’s new...
awnnetwork.org
October 22, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Reposted by Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
matthewcort.land
In short, we do not know exactly what will happen with November SNAP benefits if the shutdown continues, but we do know there will not be enough money available to fully fund everyone's EBT card.

www.patreon.com/posts/snap-w...
SNAP & WIC - Status Update | Matthew Cortland
Get more from Matthew Cortland on Patreon
www.patreon.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:26 AM
awnnetwork.org
October is LGBTQIAP+ History Month!
[image description: Illustration and text against a muted cream background. The lower half of the square shows many horizontal stripes, which are from n mmany LGBTQIAP+ pride flags including the Progress Pride flag, rainbow pride, and Trans Pride flags. At the top of the image in bolded pink font reads: “LGBTQIA+ History Month 2025” Just below in thinner, more of a cursive type black font reads: “more than 30% of LGBTQIAP+ adults are disabled compared to about 25% of non-LGBTQIAP+ adults” “our struggles and our liberation have always been intersectional and intertwined.” Between the above two small passages is a drawing of a heart made with tiny black dots in a connect the dots type of style. In the lower half of the image at center is the AWN logo: a large pink “a” with a teal, winged dragonfly. Below the “a” is our url: awnnetwork dot org ]
October 20, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Reposted by Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
thinkingautism.com
“Autistic women often have socially acceptable interests, so nobody notices– even if they’re just as intense.” On the "Lost Generation" of autistic women, at @awnnetwork.org:

awnnetwork.org/meet-mary/ #autism #autistic #neurodiversity
Meet Mary - Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
*Mary is a composite character based on autistic women’s lived experiences. She is not a real person and any real connection is coincidental. Meet Mary. Mary grew up feeling different than everyone el...
awnnetwork.org
October 18, 2025 at 9:25 PM
awnnetwork.org
October is LGBTQIAP+ History Month!
[image description: Illustration and text against a muted cream background. The lower half of the square shows many wide horizontal stripes, which are featured in LGBTQIAP+ pride flags including the Progress Pride flag, Trans Pride flags. etc At the top of the image in bolded pink font reads: “LGBTQIA+ History Month 2025” Below that text is a large speech bubble drawn in black, with text inside the bubble reading: “You never completely have your rights, one person, until you all have your rights.” ~ Marsha P. Johnson, self-described drag queen, performer, and disabled transgender activist In the lower half of the image at center is the AWN logo: a large pink “a” with a teal, winged dragonfly. Below the “a” is our url: awnnetwork dot org ]
October 17, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Reposted by Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
ericmgarcia.bsky.social
My latest for @msnbc.com: The Trump administration's gutting the special education personnel not only betrays people with disabilities; it rolls back the work of four Republican presidents who passed bills for special education (Nixon, Ford, and the Bushes)
www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
Opinion | Trump's mass firings strike a hammer blow against Americans with disabilities
The GOP once supported special education programs. Recent dismissals at the Education Department put an end to that support.
www.msnbc.com
October 15, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Reposted by Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
americanprogress.bsky.social
Social Security is now under threat 🚨 The Trump administration plans to propose regulatory changes that, if finalized, could be the biggest Social Security disability cut in history. @mollyww.bsky.social and @seemiaroll.bsky.social explain:
The Trump Administration’s Plans To Covertly Cut Social Security Disability Benefits
An upcoming regulatory proposal would change the rules of Social Security disability programs to make it harder to qualify, particularly harming older adults.
www.americanprogress.org
October 14, 2025 at 3:00 PM
awnnetwork.org
AWN celebrates Indigenous People Day
[image description: - - Illustration and text against a beige background with a partially obscured drawing of feathers drawn in a soft, muted brown. Text at top is in both a thinner, slightly curlier black font, and a thicker, bolded deep brown font and reads: “AWN CELEBRATES INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY OCTOBER 13, 2025” Across the center of the image are digital illustrations of eight people, representing a wide array of different ages, heights, hair color / style, and clothing color, type, and style. There are also mobility devices being used- a wheelchair user is shown in the lower left side of the drawing, and a person on the right end is using a dark brown cane. In the lower right hand corner is the awn logo: a large pink “a”, with a teal winged spoonie dragonfly. Below the “a” is our url: awnnetwork dot org. ]
October 13, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Reposted by Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
autisticadvocacy.org
“In his short time as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s false claims about autism, chronic illness and disability are having real-life impacts on disabled individuals, their families, caregivers.” discojourno.com/eugenics/how...
From 'Wellness Farms' to Budget Cuts, How RFK Jr.'s Misguided Policies Threaten Disabled People - Disabled Journalists Association
In his short time as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s false claims about autism, chronic illness and disability are having real-life impacts on disabled…
discojourno.com
October 11, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Reposted by Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
translifeline.org
Attention: Trans allies <3 We’ve compiled resources, answers to common questions, and suggestions on how to support trans people now. The most important thing you can do for a trans person is show your support for them with *action*. Growth is the goal - not perfection. heyimtrans.com/cheat-sheet/
October 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Reposted by Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
communicationfirst.bsky.social
Our Advisory Council Member #AliceWong appeared on a #Radiolab episode called #Voice! Listen for her amazing insights and a shoutout to CommunicationFIRST (1:00:48): lnk.to/rlab. Alice starts speaking at 00:32:47 and 00:58:45. Transcript here: lnk.to/rlabt.

@sfdirewolf.bsky.social

📷 Photo…

(1/2)
[Image: Alice Wong in her wheelchair with a tracheostomy at her neck connected to a ventilator. A smiling Alice wears a pink plaid shirt and pink pants, and her AAC device is mounted in front of her.]
October 10, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Reposted by Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
motherjones.com
“Since this new administration took office, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities has increased at triple the normal rate of unemployment."

For many disabled workers, federal jobs were decent, human, and accommodating: everything the president hates.
The human costs of Trump's war on government
For many disabled workers, federal jobs were decent, human, and accommodating: everything the president hates.
www.motherjones.com
October 7, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Reposted by Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
juliametraux.bsky.social
Ridiculously, Medicare Telehealth coverage keeps are getting tied to continuing resolutions. Bills could be passed separately. But political bureaucracy. This means Medicare Telehealth waivers are kaput as of today. My latest for @motherjones.com www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Another shutdown casualty: Medicare telehealth coverage
It's got bipartisan support—and millions of Americans need it. But Congress keeps failing to lock in funding for Medicare telehealth services.
www.motherjones.com
October 1, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Reposted by Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
aapd.com
The Disability Project at the Transgender Law Center will be offering end of year emergency stipends for community. The brief application form will close on October 8th.
https://transgenderlawcenter-zixoe.formstack.com/forms/dp_emergency_stipend_initiative
October 1, 2025 at 2:19 PM