ADHD, Activism, and Hope: Dian Dian on Community Organizing, Risk, and Micro-Actions
Host Ying Deng (ADHD Asian Girl) welcomes Dian Dian, a Seattle-based community organizer and researcher with a PhD in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies, who coordinates research and campaigns with the Massage Parlor Organizing Project and supports overseas Chinese queer women. Dian reflects on navigating today’s political crises through historical perspective and deep experience with activism, noting that doing tangible work for vulnerable immigrant workers brings steadiness. They discuss how marginalized and neurodivergent identities often draw people into organizing spaces that can be more accommodating, and compare movement work in China and the U.S., including growing risks, safety strategies, and censorship concerns. Dian shares sustaining practices, encourages bottom-up community politics and small, concrete actions, and offers approaches to conflict rooted in curiosity, listening, and story-sharing, emphasizing presence and care.
Listen now on Apple Podcast and Spotify
00:00 Welcome to ADHD Gathering
00:29 Meet Dian Dian
02:10 Navigating a Chaotic Moment
05:00 Identity and Organizing
07:29 China vs US Activism
09:08 Risk and Concrete Action
14:55 Daily Practices That Sustain
15:49 Redefine Politics
18:19 How to Get Involved
22:24 Micro Actions and Connection
24:33 Hope and What Is Necessary
28:23 Talking Across Differences
33:00 Closing Reflections and Care
Find this episode’s transcript here.
Resources:
- Booking a free coaching discovery call with Ying, an award winning ADHD coach & meditation teacher featured on Self Magazine
- Download a free ADHD emotional regulation menu
Guest’s Bio:
Dian Dian is a community organizer and researcher working at the intersections of gender, sexuality, migration, and labor. They received a Ph.D. in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Emory University. Dian has been involved in LGBTQ+ and feminist movements since 2009. Now based in Seattle, they serve as research and campaign coordinator at MPOP (Massage Parlor Organizing Project) and support community building among overseas Chinese queer women through UPWOMXN (United Proud Womxn)
Find Dian Dian on:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/foxdian
The organization Dian Dian supports:
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