Humanizing Our Neurodivergence: Lessons of Love From The People’s Platypus with Sheldon Gay

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 ”I kind of am the people’s platypus.

And what I mean by that is…my work is for the people, but the key part of it is that a platypus reminds you that these categories that we have are constructs, right? Like, look, if you’re a mammal, you gotta follow the rules.

What are you doing? A mammal is this right? But the platypus is like, “dude, I’m me.  I’m living. These constructs that you have  cannot limit me. I’m not a figment of anybody’s imagination. I’m tangible. 

 Funny enough, one of the things that some people have made me believe that I shouldn’t be using is my voice. And now I get to lean a hundred percent into this voice that I’ve come to assert is one that needs to be heard.”

—Sheldon Gay

Sheldon Gay shares his journey of late identification as gifted and neurodivergent, which fostered his commitment to humanizing Black, gifted, and otherwise neurodivergent experiences to promote acceptance and self-love. Through his podcast ‘I Must Be Bug’N,’ Sheldon aims to dismantle the pathology associated with labels and celebrate the strengths and challenges, what he terms “the ‘cape and the kryptonite” of neurodivergent people. 

Sheldon advocates for narrative change and more compassionate storytelling about neurodivergence, reminding listeners that labels don’t have to feel like pathology.  

Meet Sheldon

Sheldon Gay, host of the “I Must Be BUG’N” podcast and Vice-Chair of Umbrella ND, is a late-identified gifted, and therefore neurodivergent, Black man. He truly sees the world from a different angle than most. He helps people become curious about their minds, identify and embrace community, as well as experience peace and joy through authenticity.

Connect with Sheldon

Visit Sheldon’s website, sheldongayisbugn.com, and follow him on Instagram @sheldongayisbugn.

More From Sheldon

“2 years ago I had the realization that I was gifted and had spent more than 40 years of my life unaware. This wasn’t just a new set of knowledge, it was a new identity – a new Sheldon. I had a path to my future. Eventually, this led to me realizing that if I, someone who spent an extraordinary amount of time on self-reflection, could be unaware of a key part of my identity then many could be as well. Without this realization, one can’t understand and love themselves fully and that’s no way to dream of living.

It completely shifted my work to gifted and neurodivergent advocacy. I became a full-time speaker and podcaster.

My work is heavily influenced by resonant minds such as and especially bell hooks…also James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, and Ruha Benjamin. I also simply find wisdom everywhere and in people just being human. This is part of my wiring and also the result of doing work that demystifies where we can find learning.

A major reason it took me so long to be identified is because melanated people are typically pathologized for behaviors that are celebrated or cared for in others. This is why my focus is on melanated and otherwise marginalized people.

As what I call a bell hooks evangelist, I spend lots of time considering how being a man and one who attended some amazing schools and even has lots of family…even if imperfect…how these frame my perspective. I’m mindful of always questioning and investigating my perspectives, particularly by listening to others. I’m absolutely FASCINATED by hearing other people’s takes on things I have opinions about or have experienced.

My simple goal is to help people love themselves.”

Past Stories Referenced By Sheldon

Exploring Identity and Mental Health Through Comics, Anime, and Culture with Quincy M. Simmons.

Visibility, Power, and Centering Queer Black Stories with Monique Alicia Gamble.

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Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones