The term Toxic Masking comes from the Neurodivergent community and is most commonly associated as an issue impacting Autistic.
However, it can flexibly be applied to any marginalized group that is put in a position of pressure or threat to mask their identities and/or conform to provided stereotypes for acceptance and/or safety.
All true forms of "Masking" are Toxic Masking.
Which is not to be confused with "Disguising". A chosen and intentional tool used to get things done in a non-exclusive world.
Or being "Closeted" as a personal journey that can include protection from threat to ones safety, or personal comfort.
These are often harmful to the person too, however not as hardly of excluding as the alternative. These are constructs that must be undone so such compromises needed be made at the cost of emotional labor from Neurodivergent & other marginalized communities.
However, it can flexibly be applied to any marginalized group that is put in a position of pressure or threat to mask their identities and/or conform to provided stereotypes for acceptance and/or safety.
All true forms of "Masking" are Toxic Masking.
Which is not to be confused with "Disguising". A chosen and intentional tool used to get things done in a non-exclusive world.
Or being "Closeted" as a personal journey that can include protection from threat to ones safety, or personal comfort.
These are often harmful to the person too, however not as hardly of excluding as the alternative. These are constructs that must be undone so such compromises needed be made at the cost of emotional labor from Neurodivergent & other marginalized communities.
"When you don't create inclusivity Neurodiverse spaced, you promote Toxic Masking."
"I need more Autistic friends, I've been slipping back into Toxic Masking habits lately.
"I need more Autistic friends, I've been slipping back into Toxic Masking habits lately.
by Neuroquid June 7, 2021