Surviving the Holidays

 It's not easy surviving the holidays as an LGBTQ+; especially as a non-binary person. Forget the fact that we are misunderstood a majority of the year anyway, but then add in a dose of family trauma and some dead naming, and you're likely to struggle to make it through the holiday. 

Unfortunately, I don't have a magic cure-all for these situations. I spent the better part of Christmas Eve and day being dead-named, when I haven't had that name legally in almost 15 years. I do, however, want to say a few things to those out there reading and navigating this difficult season: 

*Own who you are. No one on this Earth knows you better than yourself. Your gender is what you say it is. 

*If someone dead-names you, don't be afraid to correct them. People are allowed a certain amount of grace, but when it's been 15 years, the grace period is over. 

*Don't be afraid to excuse yourself from a party early or disappear to the bathroom, if you need a break from family. 

*Try to remember that people that truly love and respect you will make an effort. Those that don't will not. Don't be afraid to distance yourself from those that are not aboard the love and respect train. 

*Chosen family can be just as valuable, if not more than biological family. 

*Ring in the New Year with respect for yourself. You have ownership of who you allow into your life. Make this year the year you prioritize yourself and own who you are.

Blessings to you, 

D