In this episode of Autistic FM, we're joined by Janneke Parrish, a formidable advocate and activist within the tech industry. Known for her courage in standing up for workers' rights, Janneke shares her journey navigating life with autism, PTSD, and agoraphobia. She opens up about how becoming an outspoken advocate against workplace discrimination at her former employer, Apple, led to significant personal and professional challenges.

Janneke delves into the intersection of activism and autism, exploring her innate sense of justice and how it drives her to fight against systemic injustices. During the conversation, she discusses organizing labor movements and the hurdles faced when challenging powerful corporate structures. Janneke's story offers insights into the resilience required to take a stand and the toll such bravery extracts.

We also explore her ongoing efforts in law and literature aimed at supporting those who face similar battles. Janneke continues to be a powerful voice for change, navigating personal setbacks while advocating for the rights and dignity of workers everywhere.

Topics covered in Episode 26

• Neurodivergence and Justice: How Janneke's autism and strong sense of justice intersect to inspire her activism and drive for change.

• Workplace Discrimination: Discussing Janneke's experiences at Apple and the systemic issues she fought against, including discrimination and harassment.

• Building a Movement: The genesis of the Apple II movement and its impact on labor rights within the tech industry and beyond.

About Janneke Parrish

Janneke Parrish is a labour activist and tech organiser, known for her work in the #AppleToo movement. Her work has been instrumental in reshaping conversations around workers' rights within Silicon Valley and beyond. She is the author of “The Tech Worker's Guide to Unions."

You can find Janneke at JannekeParrish.com and on BlueSky.

Content Warnings

This episode contains discussions on mental health struggles, workplace discrimination, and experiences of harassment and assault. Please take care and listen with caution.