Unmask. Create. Be Heard.
If You've Ever Had to Hide Yourself to Belong —
This Is for You.
MindUnmasked is a space for people who have experienced masking or creative exclusion. Especially artists.
You don't need a diagnosis. You need a place where you can create freely and be fully yourself.
Presented with RetailSLUT + PK Design & Consulting
Why MindUnmasked Exists
Masking costs more than most people realize.
Many people spend years — sometimes decades — hiding parts of themselves to meet social expectations. In creative spaces, that cost is even higher. Suppressing your instincts, your voice, your way of seeing the world doesn't just exhaust you. It disconnects you from your art.
MindUnmasked exists to end that. We build spaces where people who have experienced masking or creative exclusion can finally create without hiding.
A formal diagnosis is not required to participate or feel welcomed.
Anyone Who Has Ever Masked. Especially Artists.
You don't need a diagnosis to belong here. You need to have felt the weight of hiding yourself — and the desire to create freely anyway.
A formal diagnosis is not required to feel welcomed, heard, or supported by the MindUnmasked community.
Core Values
Acceptance
You are welcome here exactly as you are, no explanation required.
Creative Freedom
Art without gatekeeping, judgment, or a single 'right' way to make it.
Authenticity
Unmasking is the point. Real voices, real work, real people.
Accessibility
Spaces and programs built with neurodivergent needs in mind from the start.
Community
Connection with others who understand, without having to perform normalcy.
Empowerment
Every artist leaves more confident in their voice than when they arrived.
The Story Behind MindUnmasked
He didn't have a diagnosis. He had a lifetime of hiding.
MindUnmasked was founded by Nathaniel "PK" Haefs (he/him). Although PK has never been formally diagnosed with autism, he began recognizing autistic traits and experiences in himself after his daughter was diagnosed with autism and ADHD.
He read voraciously about autism, ADHD, masking, and neurodivergence, and that understanding helped parts of his life, identity, relationships, career, and connection to punk and goth culture finally make sense.
He created MindUnmasked so autistic and neurodivergent artists could feel safe, supported, valued, and free to create.
There Are Many Ways to Be Part of This.
Artists
Share your work, apply for programs, and join the community.
Volunteers
Support events, outreach, and programs on the ground.
Partners
Collaborate on venues, events, and creative opportunities.
Supporters
Attend events, share content, and amplify the mission.
“Unmask. Create. Be Heard.”
MindUnmasked is a charitable initiative presented in partnership with RetailSLUT and PK Design & Consulting.
