Unpacking #BlackLove and Neurodivergent Love Languages: A Personal Journey
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(Black women are cis, trans, femme, and non-binary persons who identify with Black womanhood.)
In the ever-evolving labyrinth of identity, mental health, and relationships, navigating a world rife with simplifications and misconceptions becomes a profoundly empowering odyssey (Smith, 2020; Johnson, 2019). As a Black woman, this voyage has unveiled profound discoveries, unfurling the intricate tapestry of #BlackLove and the captivating world of neurodivergent love languages.
Just over a month ago, a transformative shift occurred in my life with the revelation of an ADHD diagnosis (Jones et al., 2021). It sparked a transformative journey of self-discovery, one that demanded I unravel long-held beliefs that had, for too long, shaped my existence as an introvert grappling with C-PTSD (Brown, 2018; Walker, 2017). These interconnected facets of my identity had often rendered my unique operating system undiagnosed or misunderstood, even by myself.
Questions about how I perceived and navigated the world had once been filtered through the lens of my previous diagnosis, informed by relentless trial and error. I’d find myself, from time to time, uttering phrases like, “This is just the way I’ve always been,” all the while lacking a complete understanding of the underlying mechanisms. For a significant portion of my life, my comprehension of C-PTSD had provided solace, offering a framework through which to understand both myself and my triggers (Smith, 2019).
However, the ADHD diagnosis has unveiled a new layer of understanding, one I’m only just beginning to explore (Jones et al., 2021). Behaviours once deemed quirks or “peculiar habits” now find their place within the broader tapestry of neurodiversity. Realizing that my brain is inherently wired differently has gifted me not only with self-compassion but also with knowledge and resources to share with my loved ones (Miller, 2020; Robinson, 2019).
#BlackLove: A Revolutionary Tapestry
#BlackLove is a phenomenon that epitomizes resistance, resilience, and revolution (Brown, 2018). It’s a complex, emotionally charged tapestry interwoven with the experiences of Black women (Johnson, 2019). It encompasses…
