Yuki Alice (Age 28, She/They)

I’ve always marched to the beat of my own drum. In kindergarten, I wore shorts in winter, deeming the fabric of longer pants abhorrent, while binge-reading War and Peace in a week. I only received my official diagnosis four years ago, but I’ve always known myself (and my family) to be neurodivergent.

My special interest is K-pop! Dancing to Gangnam Style in high school Zumba class showed me a whole new world of music. I’ve taught myself the Korean alphabet and already attended five Chicago concerts of my favorite boy bands. There’s a dark side to idol culture that claimed the life of my favorite singer, but this is a new era where contracts are getting burned in exchange for freedom. Whether it’s dating scandals or an early morning comeback, my biases always have my attention.

Autism gives me the strength to be unapologetically myself in a way that can be uncomfortable for acquaintances. Because I have free will, I’m grateful to be alive. College wasn’t for me, and I chose celibacy over my relationships. I have absolutely no interest in marriage or raising children, and I still feel fulfilled. My peers may have different life experiences, but we have fandoms and friendship in common. I’m finally building the life I want for myself.