Neurodivergence and gender identity – with Charlie Ocean

Neurodivergence and gender identity – with Charlie Ocean

Author: Carolyn Kiel October 30, 2023 Duration: 52:02

Charlie Ocean is an award-winning LGBTQ+ speaker, trainer, and consultant who is neuroqueer and nonbinary. They have a background in social work and over 15 years of experience with LGBTQ+ community organizing. To date, they've trained thousands of youth and adults on various LGBTQ+ topics in various settings. Charlie is also the host of Allyship is a Verb, a Sonic Bloom Awards and Ambie-nominated podcast.

During this episode, Charlie talks about:

  • What led them to start their LGBTQ+ advocacy in high school
  • How they realized that they were nonbinary and neurodivergent – and what being neuroqueer means to them
  • How their personal experiences in the workplace led them to start their consulting practice
  • Addressing allies' common fears and making space for messy (but necessary) conversations about allyship

You can find Charlie's work at the following links:

Instagram
LinkedIn
Website
Allyship is a Verb podcast

Listener shout-out! A big THANK YOU to Will, a Beyond 6 Seconds listener, for supporting this podcast on Buy Me A Coffee! Check out BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds if you'd like to help support or sponsor a future episode!

Beyond 6 Seconds is a winner at the 2023 Signal Awards! My September episode about Dissociative Identity Disorder with Amber Louise Ainsworth won a Gold Award from the judging panel and a Listener's Choice Award in the Best Conversation Starter award category. See the official listing on the Signal Awards website. 

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes.

Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*


Hosted by Carolyn Kiel, Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people moves past the snap judgments that so often define how neurodivergent people are perceived. Each conversation here is an invitation to listen deeply, exploring the nuanced realities of entrepreneurs, artists, advocates, and other neurodivergent individuals as they share their own experiences in their own words. You’ll hear personal accounts that challenge stereotypes, not through abstract arguments, but through the vivid details of lived experience-the unique pathways to creativity, the challenges navigated in work and relationships, and the personal definitions of success and well-being. This podcast creates a space where identity is explored with authenticity, highlighting the strengths and perspectives that arise from thinking differently. Tuning in means connecting with stories that are as diverse and dynamic as the neurodivergent community itself, offering genuine insight into mental health, societal norms, and the richness of human cognition. Carolyn guides these discussions with a focus on depth and connection, ensuring every episode goes far beneath the surface to celebrate the vibrance of neurodiversity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Podcast Episodes
Coming of age with Crouzon syndrome – with Ariel Henley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:10
As a child, Ariel Henley's face was compared to a Picasso painting. This horrifying comment didn't come from a schoolyard bully. It was written in a magazine article about Ariel and her experience growing up with Crouzon…
Tourette Syndrome in the public eye – with Seamus Evans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:48
At his first job as a TV host, Seamus Evans disclosed his Tourette Syndrome. That revelation almost ended his dream career. Fortunately Seamus didn't lose his job. In fact, he spent the next 13 years in his dream career,…
Phenomenally Autistic – with Ayanna Davis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:58
Ayanna Davis, also known as phenomenallyautistic on social media, is an autism advocate who was born & raised in Westchester County, New York. Along with being autistic, she has survived over 300 seizures, is living with…
My life so far with dyspraxia – with Rosemary Richings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:00
Rosemary Richings is a writer, author, panel member of Dyspraxia Magazine, and co-founder of Dyspraxic Alliance, a global online support network by and for dyspraxics. When she was four years old, she was diagnosed with…
Autistic coming-of-age stories – with Kelly Coons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:24
Before Kelly Coons was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of thirteen, she had a coming-of-age story that was mostly deemed as neurotypical. However, she always felt isolated and, until her diagnosis, bel…
Natalie Brooks – Dyslexia in Adults [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:31
Feeling frustrated and alone, Natalie Brooks started posting on Instagram about her struggles as a dyslexic adult in the workplace. She soon realized that her experiences resonated deeply with dyslexic adults around the…
Some personal news, and a new focus for this podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:29
2021 has been quite a year for me -- and my experiences this year have given me new clarity on what I want to focus on with this podcast. I'm excited to share these new developments with you! Tune into this episode to he…