Happy winter holidays ! It's the time of year to be merry and bright, and what better way to spread cheer than by saying "Happy winter holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas"?
By wishing others a Happy winter holidays, we are inclusive of everyone, no matter their religion or lack thereof.
We are also sending a message of love and acceptance to those who may feel lonely or left out during this time of year, such as LGBTQIA individuals who may not have the support of their families.
Christmas is not a party for everybody. Some people don't believe in God, and for them, Christmas can be a difficult time.
They may be alone, and have no connection to their families. This is especially true for LGBTQIA+ people, who often have difficult relationships with their families.
According to a study by the Pew Research Center, only 56% of LGBTQIA+ people say they are "completely comfortable" with their family members knowing about their sexual orientation or gender identity.
This means that many LGBTQIA+ people are not able to be open about their identity with their families, and as a result, may feel isolated and alone during the holiday season.
Also, a study by the Williams Institute found that 26% of LGBTQIA+ people have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives. This is three times the rate of the general population.
This means that many LGBTQIA+ people do not have a safe and stable place to call home, and Christmas can be a reminder of that. So, while Christmas may be a joyous time for some, it is important to remember that it is not a party for everybody.
For many people, it can be a difficult and lonely time.
If you are struggling this holiday season, know that you are not alone. There are resources available to help you.
The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQIA+ young people, and the National LGBTQIA+ Crisis Text Line is available 24/7 for anyone in need of support.
Also in France we have the line of the association CentreLGBTparis
LGBT+ : +33 1 43 57 21 47 (more infos here)
