Sometimes during the holidays I feel like there’s nothing to be thankful for. After being out to my family for two years and having dated someone of the same gender, I would think they were used to it. Instead, we hold the same conversations, disagree about the same things, and they still believe the same misconceptions. How could that be?
I would hope the words I speak are being listened to, but I have a hard time believing that is the case. I often feel that I put a lot of effort into understanding my family, but that is not reciprocated. If this continues, how can I be thankful for them? Thanks for not kicking me out!
In all seriousness, it can be hard to even show up at family events such as Thanksgiving knowing you are always going to be seen as different. Having this feeling of judgement about your life and how you choose to live. This leads us to the question, what can we be thankful for this season?
Remember that we have community.
We all have someone who loves us unconditionally. That could be a family member, coworker, friend, or someone on the other side of a helpline. It doesn’t matter who it is, there is always someone willing to give you the love you deserve.
Queer TV and Movies
For me, it’s been great to see a number of TV shows and movies with queer representation, including more bisexual men. While it’s left to be said if it is changing the culture around these topics, it gives us some comfort watching a show that can really resonate with who we are.
You
This website is about a lot of things. Whether you have to deal with the battle of acceptance from your family based on who you are or your religious beliefs, it can be very exhausting to have to continue to explain yourself. However, you know who you are. You don’t have to explain yourself to yourself. Self-love comes at no consequence because there’s no condition and no strings attached.
Be thankful you have yourself for this journey, and you will never leave your side. It may sound silly to read at first, but it’s true. Cook for yourself, go to the gym, or get enough sleep. Whatever you would consider a loving action for someone else, you can take that action for yourself too.
No matter where you are, there is a place where you belong. Whether it means you spend Thanksgiving with your family or not, you deserve respect. Take care of yourself and remember you have so much love to give to those who will accept it.
G