gender 101 by porter gilberg Avoiding Holiday Ho-Hums There’s no time like the holidays. Whether
or not your family is supportive of your gender identity, the holidays can still be a real pickle. Fortunately, my parents are supportive of their queer, gender non-conforming child, but that doesn’t make the holidays any less stressful (for me or my Jewish mother). Unfortunately, many may not have relationships with our families and this can make the holidays even more difficult. With that in mind, there are still a million ways to stay sane and even celebrate a little this season. Hang in there. Whether you’re flying solo
and are stressed about having to break bread with your racist uncle or otherwise unsupportive family, you are going to make it through the season. I know from experience working at The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach, that crisis tends to spring up this time of year. Requests for counseling always spike in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving right through New Year’s Eve and that’s perfectly fine. If the holidays are more than you can handle, reach out to someone for support. Contact your local LGBTQ center for counseling or a support group, connect with friends and chosen family, or reach out to anyone you know who offers you the unconditional sup- port you absolutely deserve. Make a commitment to de-stress.
Consider attending a holiday party or even volunteering at your local center or other nonprofit organiza- tions this season. Giving back to your local community is a
great way to feel good, regardless of what
other plans you have.” Be sure to take care of you. On holidays,
I treat myself to whatever gross, sugar-filled, blended drink I like at my local coffee shop. It’s something I’ve done for years and something small that brings me tremendous joy every holiday. But, don’t forget it is also a major time of overindulgence, so don’t forget to exercise and stay plenty hydrated, which is another way to relieve your stress. These two tips alone can really work miracles any time of year. Within my chosen family, we get together on
the days just after a major holiday and celebrate in our own way. Whether for a Friendsgiving, an after holiday wine tasting party, or a get together “just because.” So, I know that the actual holiday dates are not the only opportunity to connect with my loved ones this season. Many LGBTQ centers will be open during the holidays, serving meals and hosting gatherings
for people. Ditto for LGBTQ-owned coffee shops, who realize the importance of community members having a space to relax, during one of the most stressful times of the year. Consider attending a holiday party or even volunteering at your local center or other nonprofit organizations this season. Giving back to your local community is a great way to feel good, regardless of what other plans you have. No matter how you spend the holidays, don’t
forget to take care of yourself. Be mindful of how you’re feeling, how you’re coping and check in with yourself regularly to ensure you’re not overwhelmed by the season. By taking care of yourself, you won’t just survive this holiday season, you’ll absolutely thrive.
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RAGE monthly | NOVEMBER 2016
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