by Charlotte Valeur, Founder of ION, the Institute of Neurodiversity.

Human communities and social movements have always been comprised of individuals with diverse experiences, beliefs, and perspectives. This is not a flaw; rather, it is one of our greatest strengths. We are, by nature, complex beings who bring our own histories, values, and insights to every collective effort we join. While this inherent diversity can lead to disagreement and tension, it also offers the potential for deeper understanding, creative solutions, and meaningful progress.

The reality of any community or movement—be it political, social, or cultural—is that it will contain differing opinions. This isn’t something to be feared or avoided. On the contrary, it should be embraced as a vital source of growth. When we create spaces where differing viewpoints are not only tolerated but encouraged, we open the door to greater innovation and richer discourse. By fostering a culture of respect for diverse opinions, we move beyond superficial consensus and build a more resilient, dynamic foundation for our causes.

The Role of Differences in Growth

At its core, growth—whether personal or collective—requires challenge. It requires stepping outside of our comfort zones, questioning our assumptions, and being exposed to new ideas. In a world where echo chambers are becoming more common, this is harder than ever. But the diversity of opinion within any movement or community presents the antidote. It is the tension between differing views that pushes us to refine our understanding, broaden our perspectives, and sometimes even change our minds.

Consider, for example, the long and ongoing conversations about justice, equality, and freedom. These issues are deeply important, and there are many ways to approach them. One person may advocate for systemic reform, while another calls for radical transformation. Both positions offer valuable insights, and by engaging with these differing viewpoints, communities can arrive at more nuanced solutions that address a wider range of needs and concerns. When we dismiss or suppress these differences out of a desire for unity or easy answers, we risk narrowing the scope of progress.

This dynamic is especially important in movements that challenge the status quo. History is full of examples where movements began with a broad spectrum of ideas and ideals. Think of the civil rights movement in the U.S., the LGBTQ+ rights movement, or environmental advocacy—each of these movements included diverse opinions about the best way forward. Some factions advocated for incremental change, while others pushed for more radical action. But over time, the conversation evolved, and the movements were able to adopt strategies that integrated the best aspects of all those perspectives.

Disagreement as an Opportunity, Not a Threat

It’s essential, however, to recognise that not all opinions should be treated equally. Some beliefs—such as those advocating for eugenics, conversion therapy, or any form of disempowerment—are inherently harmful and oppressive. These views not only run counter to the values of equality and justice but also seek to actively undermine the dignity and rights of individuals. While freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic societies, it is important to acknowledge that opinions which seek to harm or dehumanise others cannot be equated with differences of opinion that contribute to constructive debate.

The line is clear: opinions that diminish or erase the autonomy and humanity of others should not be part of the conversation. But beyond these harmful ideologies, there is immense value in engaging with a wide spectrum of perspectives.
Disagreement, when framed constructively, is not something to be feared—it is an opportunity to sharpen our thinking, refine our arguments, and ultimately, evolve as individuals and as a society.

Creating Space for All Opinions

To truly embrace the diversity of thought within communities and movements, we must create spaces where all opinions are welcomed—provided they are rooted in mutual respect and a commitment to equality. This doesn’t mean we should shy away from conflict or difference. On the contrary, we need to lean into it, with the understanding that disagreement can lead to understanding and that dialogue, not monologue, is what drives meaningful change.

The key is not to avoid conflict or smooth over differences, but to cultivate a culture where diverse opinions can coexist without resorting to division. This requires a commitment to active listening, a willingness to be challenged, and the humility to admit that our own views may need to be revised in light of new information or perspectives. It’s also about recognising that everyone’s voice, no matter how divergent, has something valuable to contribute to the larger conversation.

A World That Holds All Human Differences

As we move toward a more inclusive and equitable future, we need a world that can hold all human differences—not just in identity, but in thought and opinion as well. The richness of our communities is not found in their uniformity, but in their diversity. A healthy society can manage, even celebrate, disagreement. The best movements are not those that suppress or eliminate differences, but those that embrace them, weaving them together into a powerful tapestry of collective wisdom.

In the end, the act of embracing differing opinions is not just a political or social strategy; it is a moral one. It is an acknowledgment of our shared humanity—the recognition that each person brings something unique to the table, and that those differences make us stronger. We are not all meant to think the same way, and that is exactly what makes our communities and movements vibrant, dynamic, and capable of real change.
By accepting and engaging with the wide array of opinions that will inevitably emerge in any movement, we open ourselves to the possibility of growth. As long as those opinions promote empowerment, respect, and equality, we must hold space for them. This is the kind of world we need: one that celebrates differences, seeks understanding across divides, and remains committed to a vision of justice and dignity for all.