Living Out Loud—Unmasking, Aging, and Embracing Autistic Identity Without Apology

Описание: Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC.

In this episode, we’re joined by Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti—an author, artist, and late-diagnosed autistic elder who embodies resilience, authenticity, and joy in every chapter of her story.

Diagnosed just six months before turning 63, Gloria’s discovery of her autism brought clarity and healing to a lifetime of experiences marked by misunderstanding, masking pressures, and survival in systems that weren’t built for her. A breast cancer diagnosis in 2013 became a turning point, inspiring her to come out as queer and live fully in her truth.

Gloria’s powerful storytelling has appeared in True Stories: Vol. V and Sharing Our Journeys 2: Queer BIPOC Elders Tell Their Stories. She co-hosts a Neurodivergence Discussion Group in Seattle and has appeared on Neurodiversity 101 panels at conventions such as Norwescon and Worldcon. Her forthcoming memoir, A Different Drum: A Black, Autistic, Polyamorous, Mentally Ill, Former Fundamentalist Christian/Cult Member and Breast Cancer Survivor WHO JUST WANTS TO FIT IN, is an unapologetic exploration of identity, belonging, and the beauty of being different.

In This Episode:
Gloria opens up about her experiences growing up in Mississippi in the 1950s, navigating relentless bullying from classmates, teachers, and even family—often for “acting differently” in ways she didn’t yet understand. She shares how those early experiences shaped her sense of self and why she now refuses to mask, choosing instead to live as her full, authentic self.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to find understanding, belonging, and self-acceptance—and that our stories, no matter how complex, can be sources of strength and connection for others.

Listeners will explore:
Growing Up Different: What it was like to be an undiagnosed autistic Black girl in the segregated South, and how Gloria learned to survive constant scrutiny and misunderstanding.
Why I Don’t Mask: How lifelong pressure to “act normal” shaped Gloria’s identity—and why she chooses authenticity over assimilation today.
Finding Freedom Later in Life: How breast cancer, self-discovery, and diagnosis became catalysts for embracing her queerness, neurodivergence, and voice as an elder in the community.

About Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti:
Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti (she/her) is an author, poet, speaker, and late-diagnosed autistic elder whose work explores identity, survival, and self-acceptance. Her essays appear in True Stories: Vol. V and Sharing Our Journeys 2: Queer BIPOC Elders Tell Their Stories. Gloria co-hosts a Neurodivergence Discussion Group in Seattle and has spoken on Neurodiversity 101 panels at Norwescon and Worldcon. Her forthcoming memoir, A Different Drum, is a courageous reflection on a lifetime of navigating faith, race, neurodivergence, and healing—and a testament to the power of being unapologetically oneself.

Connect with Gloria:
🌐 Website: notgloriajean.net
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/GloriaJacksonNefertiti
📸 Instagram: @gloriajacksonnefertiti
🎧 Featured Podcast Appearances:

Shifting the Narrative on Everything Autism – Episode 92: It’s Never Too Late to Come Out as Autistic

Trust Me Podcast – Episode 21: Autism, Racism, and a Religious Cult

💬 Free Resource: Gloria offers a 30-minute Zoom chat for late-diagnosed Black autistic individuals (one-on-one or group) to provide encouragement and remind them they’re not alone.

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