I felt like a circus animal to those around me, the one you keep close to because you are fascinated. As a double minority through autism and being a lesbian, I found it hard to integrate with my peers. My autism made it difficult for me to see the social codes and norms of my peers, and I started feeling estranged and lonely. I experienced regular harassment and discrimination to the point where I felt scared to express myself openly. In an effort to try to fit in, I pushed myself to the brink, and I ended up in the hospital because my emotions overwhelmed me. Hear how I felt like a human again when I started studying, as I finally found peers with the same interest. The professional help I got at the hospital, combined with meeting peers who struggled with their mental health helped me to explore my personality even deeper. This space and growing moment gave me the space to focus on school and creating a social life for myself. Learn how I narrowed down my social circle and cleared up my schedule to fit more recharging me-time to help me manage my mind and body towards creating the life I want for myself. This is my story.