I'm All Stressed Out!

How many time have we heard that over the holidays that we are all stressed out?

From the shopping...

From setting up for the holidays...

From the office parties...

From being with the family...

 

And for many LGBTQ+ people it is from rejection...

From uncle _______ who keeps telling me all I need is a good man/women to make me straight!

From aunt _______ who keeps telling me I'm going to hell!

From grandma ______ who hasn't spoken to me since I came out!

We say we have our chosen family but that doesn't completely fill the void. But it helps. Open your hearts this season. I wish I had magic to make all the hurt go away, all the hate from the politics, all the damnation from Holier than Thou crowd.

---

 

I asked Perplexity AI: "Holiday stress on elder LGBTQ+ people?"

Answer:
The holiday season can be particularly challenging for elder LGBTQ+ individuals, often exacerbating feelings of isolation and stress. Several factors contribute to this increased difficulty:
 

Social Isolation
Elder LGBTQ+ adults are more likely to experience social isolation during the holidays1
. This can be due to:

•     Changes in family structure, resulting in more older adults living alone
•     Distant family members unable to visit
•     Lack of family with whom to share the holidays

Social isolation can trigger depression and negatively impact mental, physical, and emotional health1
.
Family Dynamics
For some elder LGBTQ+ individuals, family interactions can be a source of stress:

•     Varying levels of acceptance regarding their gender identity or sexuality
•     Potential misgendering or use of incorrect names/pronouns
•     Having to "go back into the closet" when visiting family

These experiences can be particularly challenging for those who have been out for many years and are suddenly faced with family members who don't affirm their identity.
 

Loss and Grief
The holiday season can bring feelings of loss to the forefront for LGBTQ+ elders.

 

This may be intensified by:

•     Memories of past holidays with loved ones who have passed away
•     Reflection on relationships strained or lost due to coming out
•     The current sociopolitical climate, which may evoke feelings of vulnerability

Coping Strategies
To manage holiday stress, elder LGBTQ+ individuals can:

•     Seek out supportive communities, such as SAGE, which can decrease loneliness and increase overall well-being
•     Create chosen families and new traditions with accepting friends and community members
•     Set boundaries with family members to protect their mental health
•     Practice self-care through activities like journaling, exercising, or meditating3

Support from Allies
Allies can play a crucial role in supporting elder LGBTQ+ individuals during the holidays by:

•     Offering invitations to inclusive celebrations
•     Checking in on seniors throughout the holiday season
•     Providing emotional support and a listening ear

By acknowledging these unique challenges and implementing supportive strategies, we can help make the holiday season more enjoyable and less stressful for elder LGBTQ+ individuals.