Survival Tips For LGBTQIA+ Youth During The Holidays
By: Christin E. Grice, MA, LMFT
Getting through the holidays can feel particularly challenging for LGBTQIA+ youth. You may find yourself struggling with a lack of acceptance and/or rejection from family members, feelings of isolation, being unable to bring home loved ones or select friends, being misgendered by gifts given, family member’s using dead name or having unstable housing, being homeless, and/or navigating the foster care system.
So let’s talk about ways that you can navigate and cope through the holidays, because you’re not alone! Below are some tips that may be useful:
- Schedule and/or plan calls with supportive people/friends
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- If you’re not able to spend time with people in person it may be helpful to plan out who you are going to call and when. Try making a list of contacts that you would like to be in touch with which could include family, chosen family, or close friends.
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- Spend time with chosen family
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- Chosen family are people that either support, accept and/or affirm you for you! Chosen family can also help create community, connection or even foster mentorship. LGBTQIA+ people particularly youth who have dealt with rejection by family members often have created a sense of community by forming their chosen family.
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- Create a journal of positive statements and/or positive affirmations for yourself
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- Journaling can be a great way of letting out your thoughts and feelings. It can further feel like a cathartic process. Try making a list in your journal or by using flashcards to highlight positive statements or positive qualities about yourself. Some examples could be; I am good enough, I belong, I have purpose, or I choose peace and happiness.
- If you find yourself struggling to come up with affirmations or positive statements, try coming up with one a day and reflecting on that positive statement about yourself.
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- Check in with therapist and/or attend scheduled therapy sessions
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- Even though you may not be feeling at your best, try to stay consistent with attending scheduled therapy sessions. This may be helpful in reviewing strengths, strategies, accessible coping skills, resources or may give you an opportunity to process your thoughts and/or feelings.
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- Be a part of supportive online communities
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- At this time it may be challenging to connect with people in person and creating an online community may be useful. Looking for LGBTQIA+ youth resources or communities online may be a good start to getting connected. Perhaps there are virtual gatherings in which you are able to meet or interact with other youth.
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Resources
Diversity Center Santa Cruz County
Entertainment
Silicon Valley Gay Men’s Chorus Concert
For Parents/Families
Safety Resources
Bill Wilson LGBTQ Drop In Center
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
National Eating Disorder Association