This is fascinating. As someone diagnosed with ASD, I've often gravitated towards gay people as close friends and in my social circle, and I think part of it is

This is fascinating. As someone diagnosed with ASD, I've often gravitated towards gay people as close friends and in my social circle, and I think part of it is that there's a certain overlap in characteristics (even if the cause might be very different). While it's possible that I might get married and have kids, I'd say this is much less likely to happen for me. Furthermore, as I grow older I find it increasingly difficult to 'keep up' with the lifestyle changes and increasing 'demands' that my 'neurotypical' friends go through. I've noticed this in particular in the transition to my thirties. With my gay friends this somehow feels like less of an 'issue'. Another overlap, I suppose, is a feeling of not quite fitting in. This extends beyond just my gay friends though, and includes expats, TCK's/'army brats'/global nomads, and people with various disorders. But there does often seem to be a sense of 'not quite fitting in, together' that can be incredibly valuable.