Oliver is an AAC user, wheelchair rugby league player and history graduate from the UK who communicates full-time using AAC. He recently started using eye gaze with his Grid Pad 13 and Evo eye tracker.
Oliver identifies as an asexual, non-binary trans man and shares openly online about disability, communication, mental health and inclusion. Oliver is autistic and has Tourette’s, schizoaffective disorder (bipolar type), alongside other disabilities.
During Pride Month, Oliver reflects on identity, self-expression and community as an LGBTQIA+ AAC user, sharing why inclusive communication, representation and access to language that reflects who you are matter so deeply.
During Pride Month, what do you wish more people understood about being an LGBTQIA+ AAC user?
I think a lot of people see AAC users as either children or as adults who are unable to understand gender and sexuality. Because of this, it’s really important that AAC users have access to words and phrases relating to LGBTQIA+ identities.
I’m an asexual, non-binary trans man myself, and having AAC that allows me to express who I am is vital. LGBTQIA+ AAC users exist, and we deserve the same opportunities to communicate our identities and experiences as everyone else.
“AAC can play a huge role in supporting identity and self-expression. One of the most important parts of AAC for many people is choosing a voice that feels right for them. For some LGBTQIA+ people, especially trans and non-binary AAC users, this can be more complex. Some people may want a voice that aligns with their transition, while others may prefer something more neutral. I’ve spoken to people who feel overlooked in this area and struggle to find voices that reflect who they are.”
Oliver, Grid user
This is also important within symbol AAC, where many vocabulary sets come with pages of pre-set words and phrases. Often, there is very limited representation of LGBTQIA+ identities and topics included by default. Of course, people can personalize and add their own language, but having access to inclusive words, symbols and representation from the start matters. I have noticed more LGBTQIA+ identity flags and symbols being added recently, which is a positive step forward, but there is still more that could be done to help people communicate who they are more fully and confidently.
What advice would you give to other LGBTQIA+ people navigating identity and communication?
"I would say try to find an AAC set up that reflects who you are. Coming out and navigating your gender and/or sexuality is a very individual thing.
One of the most important thing for me as a LGBTQIA+ AAC user is to find a community, whether that is online, face-to-face, or both. Being around other LGBTQIA+ people who are also AAC users has been incredibly important for me. Community can be a lifeline and gives you a sense of belonging."
Explore more of Oliver's story
Oliver has also shared more about his experiences with Tourette’s, accessibility and AAC, alongside his journey using eye gaze and Grid. You can also learn more about Oliver in his blogs and poems on The Tudors make me tic.