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September 2026 'Multicultural and Unmasking' Intersectional Meetup: Accepting the Awkward

Mark H. Durgee

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September 30, 2026 - 8pm EDT (New York), 5pm PDT (Los Angeles)

A community space for adults who discovered their neurodivergence later in life, shaped by culture and identity. Cultural, familial, and social influences may affect how you learned to mask, what feels unsafe to show, and what unmasking brings up now.

This isn’t therapy or coaching. It’s a welcoming space to explore masking, cultural identity, life transitions, and the unique challenges of late recognition. Join however feels comfortable. Speak, listen, chat, or simply be present.

September 2026 Theme: Accepting the Awkward

For many late-identified neurodivergent adults, being perceived as awkward can become something we spend years trying to avoid. We may learn to monitor how much we talk, how directly we communicate, whether we are asking too much, whether someone seems uncomfortable, or whether we have somehow broken an unwritten social rule. Over time, awkwardness can become more than an uncomfortable moment. It can become something we interpret as evidence that we have done something wrong.

But what if awkwardness isn't always a problem?

What if sometimes it simply means that a social expectation wasn't met?

What if being uncomfortable isn't the same as being unsafe?

What if unmasking isn't about eliminating awkwardness, but becoming less governed by it?

This month, we'll explore "accepting the awkward" through an intersectional lens. We'll explore what happens when we begin expressing needs, setting boundaries, communicating differently, or showing more of ourselves after years of learning that being perceived as awkward can have consequences.

Together, we'll explore questions such as:

  • How have I learned to recognize and avoid awkwardness? 
  • When does awkwardness feel unsafe, and when is it simply uncomfortable? 
  • What do I automatically do when I think I've made someone uncomfortable? 
  • Where might I be masking to prevent other people's discomfort? 
  • What becomes possible when I can tolerate some awkwardness without immediately trying to fix it? 

These gatherings are grounded in a befriending approach, a practice of compassionate presence popularized by Chad Varah of the Samaritans movement. Together, we create space for conversation and shared understanding without pressure to fix, advise, or reach conclusions. A place to explore the questions, experiences, and challenges you're navigating, listen with curiosity, and connect with others who may recognize parts of your experience.

You're welcome to share, offer support, or simply be present. There's no right way to participate, and your autonomy around how you show up will always be respected.

Community Guidelines for Monthly Intersectional Meetups

Please review the following Community Guidelines and be prepared to follow them during our meetup. 

  1. Autonomy in Participation
    Join in the way that feels right for you. You may use your webcam, speak, type in the chat, use reactions, or simply listen. All forms of participation are valid.
  2. Confidentiality
    What is shared here stays here. Please protect the privacy of everyone in the group.
  3. No Recording
    Recording audio, video, or screenshots is not allowed. This helps keep the space safe for genuine connection.
  4. Mutual Respect
    Treat each person with care and respect. We honor diverse lived experiences, identities, and communication styles.
  5. Non-Judgment and Curiosity
    We approach each other with openness, not correction. Lived experiences may differ, and that diversity is welcome.
  6. No Advice-Giving Without Consent
    Sharing personal experiences is encouraged. Offering advice is optional and should only be given when someone clearly requests it.
  7. No Diagnosing, Pathologizing, or Gatekeeping
    We don’t evaluate or label each other, nor do we require or prioritize formal diagnosis. Access to diagnosis varies, and self-identified neurodivergent people are fully welcome and respected.
  8. Speak From Your Own Experience
    Use “I” statements and avoid assuming someone else’s reality. Every story is unique.
  9. Allow Space for All Voices
    Be mindful of participation so everyone who wants to share has the chance to do so. Support will be provided to limit sharing to windows of five minutes or less. 
  10. Identity and Intersectionality Are Respected
    We honor each person’s self-identification regarding neurodivergence, gender, sexuality, culture, and lived experience. 
  11. This Isn’t Therapy or Coaching
    These meet-ups offer conversation and community. They are not a place for crisis support, mental health treatment, or coaching sessions.
  12. Care for Yourself
     Take breaks, step away, or log off at any time. Your well-being comes first.

Price

$0
Register Here
This package includes
When you register, you'll receive Meltdowns: A Guide for Autistics & Allies, a five-page guide filled with practical, supportive resources you can use yourself or share with others.