OUT Loud an LGBTQ+ Neurodiverse Adult Social Group

Welcome to OUT Loud, a social and peer-support group for neurodiverse LGBTQ+ folx to gather, build community, and make supportive connections.  We celebrate the intersectionality between the neurodiverse community and the LGBTQ+ community.

About OUT Loud

We live in an increasingly diverse world and Barrier-Free is here to support neurodiverse adults in our community.  Barrier-Free began in 2017 with two Inclusive Theater Companies.  After six years of growing our theater companies, we expanded to offer expanded to offer daily opportunities at  The Life Skills & Social Studio. 

With the latest expansion, Barrier-Free's founders Britt & Lauren began to notice an intersectionality between the neurodiverse community and the LGBTQ+ community.  As more queer members joined our programs, an idea was created - OUT Loud!

OUT Loud is a peer support social group that provides a safe space for queer, neurodiverse adults (18+) to exist together and embrace our individual perspectives.  OUT Loud is intended for folx of a specific lived experience. 

We embrace all neurodiverse individuals – whether you’re formally diagnosed or not, we are committed to making you feel welcome.  

"Intersectionality. A crossroads where two seemingly different things overlap. The two things: Neurodiversity and the LGBTQIA+ community."

- Britt Burr (she/her) from her blog "The Intersectionality of Neurodiversity & the LGBTQIA+ Community"

What to Expect

OUT Loud meets in-person at The Life Skills & Social Studio (7520 Main St #103 Sykesville, MD 21784) from 6:30 - 8pm on the Third Thursday of each month.  

Meetings are free to attend, any additional outings beyond monthly meetups may have an additional fee.​
OUTLoud meetups will feel like hanging out with friends! Meetups will have some activities planned in advance and some that will occur naturally based on group dynamic.

​At a meetup you can expect:
  • Introductions (name/pronouns) and an ice breaker question or activity
  • Variety of Social Activities that may include:
    • Group social games 
    • Video game tournaments 
    • Queer-based art activities
    • Jeopardy tournaments
    • Discussion & support
    • Self-advocacy skills & support
    • Social skill development
    • Resource sharing
    • And more!
  • Snacks & drinks - we invite you to bring something to share!
  • New connections made with folx like you!

Members are NEVER forced to disclose sexual identity, gender identity, or diagnoses. 

Please email Britt & Lauren if there is a way we can help\make the group more comfortable and accessible for you.

Getting Started

OUT Loud is open to all neurodiverse, queer folx 18+!  If you're interested in attending, please fill out the brief form below and we will reach out to you to confirm the details.​
Click Here for New Member Interest Form

Meet the OUT Loud Team

Together, Britt, Lauren, Aaron, Marie, & Emily are honored to have the opportunity to bring OUT Loud to Carroll County!
Barrier-Free founders and OUT Loud leaders Britt & Lauren are proud to be an openly-gay, married couple supporting neurodiversity in Carroll County.  Britt (she/her) was raised in Westminster, MD and is passionate about making her hometown and county a more inclusive, welcoming space for all.

Lauren (she/her), also a Maryland native, is proud of the progress made in our state in the last decade but recognizes the need for increased visibility, role models, and safe spaces for queer folx in our community.

Aaron (they/them), OUT Loud Assistant, joined Barrier-Free in 2021. enjoys spending time with and supporting their friends at Barrier-Free. They are passionate about advocacy for the neurodiverse and disabled communities, and the LGBTQ+ community.

Marie (she/her), OUT Loud Assistant, started with Barrier-Free as a graduate intern studying Drama Therapy and quickly grew to take on many leadership roles!  She is a dedicated to creating a more inclusive world for all marginalized individuals.

Emily (she/they), OUT Loud Assistant, is a veteran Barrier-Free"er" and also our Blogger!  Emily owns Photography through Autism, attends Carroll Community College, and is a steadfast advocate for neurodiverse folx via her community involvement and writing.
​
View their full bios on the Meet the Team page.

"When I come to Barrier-Free, I have never once left in a bad mood.  It is never dull at Barrier-Free! It feels almost like a second wacky home/family."

- Katie Alleman, Barrier-Free participant

OUT Loud FAQ

Have additional questions?  Email, text, or call us and we'd be happy to help you out!
I am not 18 years old, can I attend OUT Loud?
Barrier-Free serves adults 18+ across our programs, including OUT Loud.  Allowing younger teenagers to attend OUT Loud but not other Barrier-Free programs would cause a social divide within the group. 

​There are situations where an exception has been made for a participant that is 17 years old but turning 18 within six months.  Exceptions are granted to help facilitate the transition out of school, post-graduation, are handled on a case-by-case basis, and are not guaranteed.
Where do OUT Loud meetups occur?
OUT Loud meetups occur at The Life Skills & Social Studio located in Downtown Sykesville at 7520 Main St #103 Sykesville, MD 21784.  Our space is on the ground level and fully accessible with ample parking out front.
What is the cost to participate in OUT Loud?
Monthly meetups are free to attend.  In the event the group plans an additional outing or event (ie, restaurant, show), there may be a cost to attend.
Do I have to commit to every monthly meeting?
No, you do not have to commit to every monthly but individuals who attend on a regular basis will get the most benefit as they will be able to make connections on a regular basis.
Will I be asked to share my sexuality or gender identity at OUT Loud meetups?
No, OUT Loud members will never be forced to share their sexuality or gender identity at OUT Loud meetups.  Members are free to share these details if desired.  Additionally, we will begin each meetup by sharing our names & preferred pronouns. 
I don't have a formal diagnosis but believe I am neurodiverse, can I attend OUT Loud?
Yes!  We can also help point you in the direction of supportive services to assist you in obtaining a diagnosis.
Will I be asked to share my diagnosis at OUT Loud meetups?
No, OUT Loud members will never be forced to disclose their diagnoses at OUT Loud meetups.  Members are free to share these details if desired.
Is this a therapeutic LGBTQ+ support group?
No, OUT Loud is a social and peer support group for LGBTQ+ individuals who are neurodiverse.  
I'm interested in volunteering to support OUT Loud, how do I get started?
Email us at info@BarrierFreeMD.com if you'd like to volunteer with OUT Loud.  We are always looking for speakers to share their stories and experiences.
My adult child is interested in attending OUT Loud, can parents/caregivers stay for the meetup?
We welcome parents/caregivers to come in 10 minutes before the start time to meet us, see the space, and ask any questions.  When the group starts at 6:30, we do require that parents/caregivers leave so we can allow our OUT Loud members to support one another.
Will what I share at a meetup be shared with my parents and/or caregivers?
Everything shared at an OUT Loud meetup is kept confidential and will not be shared with parent/caregivers with the exception of any disclosing of suicidal thoughts/ideation.

Inclusion. Visibility. Pride.

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OUT Loud founding members (left to right): Aaron, Britt, Katie, Marie, Lauren, Tyler

Learn more about Barrier-Free