Abstract
There is a considerable amount of overlap between the autistic community and the LGBTQ+ community. Notably, those who identify with both labels are particularly susceptible to the negative effects of discrimination as well as higher levels of depressive symptoms. Currently, there is a dearth of research examining the unique intersection of these identities, and there is a complete absence of research on factors that offer protection against depressive symptoms within this population. This study serves as the first investigation into factors that protect against depressive symptoms in the LGBTQ+ autistic population. Utilizing the minority stress framework, this study examines community connectedness, collective self-esteem, and relationship status as factors that may protect LGBTQ+ autistic individuals against the negative effects of intersectional discrimination, and in turn, depressive symptoms. The final sample included 91 LGBTQ+ autistic participants. Bivariate correlations indicated that higher collective self-esteem was linked to greater community connectedness and lower depression, suggesting a general protective effect. Being in a romantic relationship was also associated with reduced depressive symptoms, highlighting the potential protective role of interpersonal support. No significant moderating effects were found for community connectedness, collective self-esteem, or relationship status on the association between intersectional discrimination and depression. Limitations, clinical implications, and future research are considered.