Hormona Lisa took to an unexpected place this week to open up about something personal, but that choice has fans cheering.
On Reddit’s r/rupaulsdragrace subreddit, the Drag Race star shared a post entitled “The rumors are true,” in which she opened up about being neurodivergent. “I briefly mentioned this after my elimination, but I want to officially share that I have been diagnosed with autism,” she began. “I received my diagnosis nearly 7 years ago, and it really helped explain a lot of my life experiences, like never quite fitting in, no matter how much I wanted to, or people not quite understanding me. It can be frustrating at times, especially when I feel like I’m expressing something one way, but others don’t see it the same way. Still, it’s a part of who I am, and I wouldn’t change it!”
Hormona explained that she’d seen people on Reddit asking questions about it and she wanted to personally set the record straight. The response to her sharing was immediate and full of gratitude. “Be kind to yourself, I’m a 51-year-old woman and only received my diagnosis last year!” wrote one user. “I love seeing more people get out there that have autism as someone who is autistic as well. I agree that it can be frustrating sometimes but I also wouldn’t change myself either so I totally get the sentiment,” wrote another.
However, it was a user who wrote, “You have an incredible opportunity to be an autistic superhero. Take advantage of your platform to advocate for us! Help break down the bias, bullying, and stigma against our community,” that really got to the heart of why Hormona decided to speak up about her diagnosis.
“I really hope that by sharing my story, I can give others with autism the courage to embrace who they are, even when it feels like the world doesn’t quite get them,” Hormona tells PRIDE.
That doesn’t mean it was easy for the drag star, however. “Sharing my diagnosis has always been something I’ve been hesitant about, but I’ve come to realize that being open about it is important — not just for me, but for others who might feel alone in their own struggles,” she explains.
Ultimately, she decided now was the time to really say something, because of how those who’ve spoken up in the past have impacted her own journey “As I’ve navigated life with autism, I’ve found that the more people are willing to open up about it, the more we can break down misunderstandings and stigma,” she shares.
In the end, she wanted to help her fans feel seen and less alone. “I wanted to share my experience in hopes of helping others who might feel isolated, and also to encourage more understanding of what it’s like to navigate a world that often feels overwhelming or alienating.
“I want fans to know that they’re not alone, that it’s okay to struggle, and that our differences don’t make us any less deserving of love and respect. My hope is that by being open about my own experience, I can encourage more empathy and create a space where people feel comfortable sharing their stories too.”
And that she already has; the Reddit thread is full of fans sharing their experiences and connecting and relating with one another. Hormona is proving yet again that she truly is a queen for the people.