Wow... What an evening. As I was getting ready to meet my friend before the silent disco I was telling myself "stay for an hour, it'll be OK. You know Annette and Tracey so there won't be totally strange faces". On any given social occasion my main worries are linked to the fear of being perceived as "weird", of not behaving in the way society expects (a common worry for autistic people who I've come into contact with). It means that nights out, while fun, can be riddled with so much social anxiety that it overbears the evening. Worrying about saying the wrong thing, having the wrong taste in music, moving awkwardly all build to a feeling of overwhelm.
But there was none of this. Everyone was included, everyone was embraced as they should be. Inclusivity means providing equal opportunities for those who might experience marginalisation. This doesn't just mean with school and work, but in other areas- having a social life. Well, this evening was so inclusive and so celebratory of autistic and otherwise different ways of being.
Everyone needs a night out now and then, to feel rhythm move through their bodies, to get up on the dance floor and Express themselves through music, and it was truly beautiful to see so much happiness and warmth in one building.
The Friday night Silent Disco was an evening where I, and it seemed so many others, could just be ourselves, without the restraints of the social worries.
To see autistic people so freely engaging and enjoying themselves, without the societal pressure to fit in, is a rare sight. But how beautiful to watch and be a part of something so special. The mix of people and everyone being so open really made it.
The music channels were well thought out, and it felt special when my songs were played through the headphones, a personal touch where everyone was asked for their choice of songs beforehand.
At times if it felt too much, and the chill out space was a brilliant idea.
The night felt extra meaningful because it helped toward the goal of raising funds for Express to fund a new place to call home. Not only this, but anything that raises awareness of autism and how it impacts individuals and their families feels so close to my heart.
I so hope Express do another Silent Disco, as it was so much fun!
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