Non-Boolean States: Neurodiversity, Sexuality, and Multidimensional Understanding

Human identity is vast and intricate, encompassing layers of experience, perception, and interaction. One area where this complexity is strikingly evident is in the realms of sexuality and neurodiversity. Traditional perspectives often rely on binary or Boolean classifications, such as straight vs. gay or neurotypical vs. neurodivergent. However, these simplified frameworks fail to capture the nuanced, multidimensional nature of human experiences.

Sexuality Beyond Binaries

Sexuality, as often defined, tends to be reduced to discrete categories: straight, gay, bisexual, pansexual, etc. These labels are useful as shorthand but can obscure the richness of individual experiences. Consider the axis of attraction: a person who identifies as "straight" might traditionally be understood as being attracted exclusively to people of the opposite gender. Meanwhile, someone who identifies as "pansexual" might express attraction independent of gender altogether.

But what if we view this not as a binary spectrum, but as one dimension of many within a multidimensional space?

Sexual attraction can be thought of as a weighted interaction between factors such as:

• Perceived Gender: The presenting or perceived gender of a person.
• Physical Attractiveness: How aesthetically pleasing an individual finds another.
• Connectiveness: The emotional, intellectual, or spiritual bond between individuals.

In this model, attraction becomes less about fitting into a single category and more about the interplay between these properties. A purely "straight" individual might have their weightings heavily favor gender and physical attractiveness, while a purely "pansexual" person might prioritize connectiveness over gender or aesthetics. The infinite gradations between these archetypes reflect the unique experiences of real people.

Neurodiversity and Nonconformity

Neurodiversity—the natural variation in cognitive functioning across humanity—further challenges these binary constructs. As someone with autism, I experience the world through a lens that is different. Social norms, which often dictate rigid categories, are less compelling to me. Instead, I approach identity and relationships fluidly, rejecting Boolean absolutes in favor of a dynamic, context-sensitive understanding.

This perspective reshapes how I engage with concepts like sexuality. I neither fully align with the traditional understanding of "straight" nor completely identify as "pansexual." My approach to attraction is not about fitting into a pre-defined label but about embracing the multifaceted nature of human connection. This flexibility mirrors my broader worldview, one that values nuance over reduction.

The Parallels with Data Science

Interestingly, this fluid, multidimensional way of thinking aligns closely with principles in data science. In data analysis, collapsing complex datasets into binary outcomes often results in a loss of valuable information. Real-world phenomena—whether in biology, economics, or human behavior—rarely conform to simple on/off states. Instead, they exhibit gradients, clusters, and overlapping dimensions that require sophisticated models to fully understand.

Viewing sexuality through this lens is like transitioning from a 2D scatterplot to a richly textured, n-dimensional data space. Each axis represents a property—gender, connectiveness, physicality, etc.—and each individual occupies a unique point within that space. Neurodiversity encourages this broader perspective, offering a framework that prioritizes the beauty of complexity over the simplicity of absolutes.

Embracing Complexity

As society evolves, so too should our frameworks for understanding identity. By moving beyond Boolean states and embracing multidimensional models, we honor the diversity of human experiences. This shift not only fosters inclusivity but also empowers individuals to define themselves on their own terms.

For those of us who are neurodivergent, this approach is not just an abstract ideal but a lived reality. We navigate the world through patterns, connections, and nuances that defy categorization. In doing so, we offer a lens through which others might also see the richness of the human experience, transcending the limits of binary thinking and embracing the full spectrum of what it means to be human.