Navigating the Holidays as a Member of the LGBTQ Community in Miami, FL
For some, the holiday season is a joyful time.
Some people swear that “the air is different.” Others are convinced that strangers on the street are much more kind than they usually are. The music is filled with references to presents, snow, and the “season of giving.” It’s fair to say that some people look forward to this season for the entire year. In addition, it’s assumed that we all will be spending time with a family that is loving and supportive of us and our decisions. It is also assumed that we will welcomed home with open arms and warm hearts.
For some, this is reality. But what about the rest of us that don’t have the luxury of a loving and supporting family?
An unfortunate fact is that many of friends in the LGBTQ community in Miami, FL do not have this luxury. For some people that identify as LGBTQ, the holiday season is not a joyful and magical time spent with family members that offer you unconditional support. Some individuals that identify as nonbinary come from families that are not supportive of the way they identify. Often, visiting family members means a painful “blast to the past” with references to a part of their life that does not reflect their true identity.
So, what can the LGBTQ people in our life?
While we might not be able to change the mind’s of our less-than-accepting family members, we can do things to take care of ourselves during the holiday season. Through my years of working with members of the LGBTQ community in Miami, FL, I have worked with many people that have struggled with this exact situation. And, while everyone’s situation is unique, I have seen a few things that have been helpful.
Tips to navigate the holidays as a person that identifies as LGBTQ
This holiday season, my gift to you is three tips to help you navigate the holidays if the people in your life don’t respect your identity. If you know that you’re going to be a in space that is less than inviting, welcoming, or accepting, consider giving these tips a chance.
Do some self-reflecting.
Before making the trip to see family and friends, take some time to thoughtfully think through what the endeavor might bring. In addition, think about what you need to do in order to get through this time. Does this mean that you will give yourself permission to feel frustrated when family members throw out microaggressions your way? If so, what is the best plan for you if that happens? What will that look like? Do you want to incorporate assertiveness in these conversations? In terms of taking care of yourself, nothing is off the table. Regardless of what it looks like for you, plan ahead.
2. Be mindful of your internal balloon.
Everyone has an internal balloon. This balloon gauges how “on edge” we’re feeling. Stress adds to the size of the balloon, along with other uncomfortable feelings. The bigger the balloon gets, the more likely it is to pop. And, we don’t want that to happen. A popped internal balloon often means that we’ve reached our limit for what we can handle. Because seeing family can be a stressful situation, it’s likely that you’re balloon will fill up quicker than it usually does. So, be mindful of how much air is in your balloon. And, if you’re feeling like your balloon is filling up, take a few minutes to release some of the pressure.
3. Be intentional about incorporating movement.
We know that the body likes to move. Movement can help relieve some of the pressure that our body is experiencing from stress that you’re under. In addition, this can serve as an opportunity to “get out of the house” for a little bit. The term movement is relatively broad and incorporates many different avenues. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you have to run a marathon every day. But, going for a walk, doing some light cardio or weight lifting, or going for a hike can be helpful to maintain the pressure of your internal balloon.
4. Reach out to your fellow allies.
We know this can be a time of year for someone that identifies as LGBTQ. It can feel like you’re alone with no one on your side. Feeling this could makes sense in the current context. But, you’re not alone. When you start to feel this way, think about the people that are in your corner: your allies. Reach out to your allies that are your support system and help you through the tough times. You can reach out to your allies when you’re needing some support or reassurance about how to handle the situation you’re in. Your allies are here for you and they have your back.
If you’re needing additional support this holiday season, I can help!
As an LGBTQ therapist in Miami, FL, I am well-versed in the issues that accompany the members of the LGBTQ community in Miami, FL. At Better Life Therapy, I offer many different services. I provide online therapy in Florida or from my Miami based counseling clinic. In addition to LGBTQ affirming therapy, I offer gender therapy, anxiety therapy, depression counseling, counseling for parents, teen counseling, HRT letters, and relationship counseling for one. When you’re ready to start working with me at Better Life Therapy, follow these steps:
1. Contact Better Life Therapy and let us know how we can help.
2. Meet with your new therapist
3. Begin to build a Better Life.