Self-care kit: 5 strategies for family gatherings during the holidays
The holiday season can be a difficult time for LGBT+ people. Here are some resources to help us all stay safe and healthy.
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In this festive first-aid kit and emergency manual, we share self-care strategies for LGBTQ+ and non-conforming people during these days of gatherings and family reunions. These strategies help you reconnect with loved ones, celebrate your chosen family, and navigate challenging times with queer strategy and creativity.
Tell us in the comments what yours are!
1. Allies and LGBT people in the family
Identify your LGBT allies and family members. Spend time with them. Include your pets: being with animals can help you take a break and create a soft space for yourself.
2. Loving listening and reconnection
If you haven't seen family members who validate and respect you in a long time, reconnect. If you're experimenting with using one pronoun more than another, if you've chosen your name, if you're arriving with your partner or friends: communicate it as much as possible! This way, they'll support your experience, your pronoun, you, your partner, and your friends.
3. A plan B in case something goes wrong
If your family situation becomes complicated for any reason—especially if you are a minor—you may face financial limitations that prevent you from making safe choices about transportation to leave the area. Try to have someone you trust accompany you.
4. To express oneself
Try to talk about how you felt during the holidays; to a friend, your partner, your chosen family, anyone who respects, cares for, and loves you. Don't keep that pain to yourself; express it in whatever way feels most comfortable, and remember that your existence is valid and very important to many people.
5. The Chosen Family
Remember to stay close to your chosen friends and family, just a chat or a call away during the holidays. And get together before and after to listen to each other, hug, strengthen each other, cry, get angry, and laugh at your anti-rights relatives.
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