Lilla Agenda: how somatics and kink support queer and neurodivergent healing
Joelle Marcelle Antson speaks about somatics, kink, and being a neurodivergent trans woman on the Lilla Agenda podcast. Joelle shares the importance of somatics, especially for queer and trans people.
what you’ll hear in this conversation
what is somatics and why is it important?
- somatics is a way of being in relationship with ourselves, others, and the planet. in Strozzi Somatics, we include three essential aspects for healing and change: somatic awareness, practices, and opening, all of which are shaped by our social context.
- for queer and trans folks especially, contact with the body is a necessity for survival. instead of viewing the trans experience through pathology, somatics offers a resilience-based perspective: our bodies are wise, and the desire for gender transition is a sign of bodily wisdom, not something “wrong.” it supports unmasking and helps us become experts of our own experience—learning what we truly like and what steps we want to take next.
kink and neurodivergence: an unexpected but logical link
- one of the most exciting parts of the conversation touched on kink (BDSM) and its connection to being neurodivergent. Joelle explained why many neurodivergent people (including ADHDers and Autists) find freedom through kink:
- clear communication: in kink spaces, rules and boundaries are agreed upon, which reduces social anxiety.
- sensory-seeking experience: pressures, bondage, and sensory play provide novel and supportive sensory input.
- power and dignity: intentional roleplay helps explore one’s power and vulnerability in a safe environment, allowing us to let go of the constant control we maintain as neurodivergent people while masking.
how to stay connected to your body?
trauma and oppression have logically made being in our bodies feel unsafe, which is why it’s important to move slowly and build safety first.
Joelle reminds us that we don’t have to feel all the time—often feelings, especially as a neurodivergent person, are too intense, and it’s okay to take time to not be in your body. the key is making it a conscious choice.
resilience comes from nature, animals, creativity, and those tiny moments that make you feel more alive in your body.
upcoming events:
- 30.05: queer play party
- 01.06: Rainbow Therapy Think Tank “pride and shame” workshop
- 03.06: panel discussion: kink and safety
- 14.06: queer cuddle party
listen to the full conversation
originally published on the Lilla Agenda podcast.
could somatics support your journey? book a free discovery call to explore what working together could look like.