Thanksgiving Survival Kit
I’ve had my share of miserable Thanksgivings. I think it’s basically a rite of passage as a queer trans person. Like most of those rites of passage, it totally sucks.
In honor of my family life having plateaued into mostly-bearable-though-still-uncomfortable as well as 2016 being a time of heightened tension for many families, I offer you some practical tips I’ve picked up on over the years. May these suggestions make your holidays, well, if not merry and bright, at least a smidge above horrific.
For the full list, watch the video above. Here’s a taste:
✅ Have an escape plan
✅ Make a list of people to call/text to vent to or plan check-in’s with
✅ Write down reminders of why you’re awesome and loved
✅ Prepare happy things like books to read & playlists to listen to
✅ Find a way to celebrate the holiday in your own way before/after
✅ Give back to the community by volunteering or taking action
✅ Speak up against bigotry if you’re in a safe position to do so
Some resources to help you out:
- Speak Up: Responding to Everyday Bigotry from the Southern Poverty Law Center
- Racial Justice Holiday Placemat from Showing Up For Racial Justice
- How to be an Ally (specifically for white people) by @readingtheend
- Hex the Patriarchal White Supremacy: Talking Social Justice at Thanksgiving from the Harry Potter Alliance
- The Trevor Project
- Lifeline Crisis Chat
