How to Survive a Queer COVID-19 Christmas

BY LUCY EJ WOODS

LGBT+ people are more likely to feel alone on Christmas, more likely to be adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and more likely to suffer from mental health illnesses than their cisgender, heteronormative peers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as Scotland goes into lockdown again, and restrictions are in place over the holidays, it is more important than ever for the Dumfries & Galloway LGBT+ community to look out for and support each other. Clinical psychologist, Cathy Richards told D&GQ (pre-pandemic) that, “making sure that LGBT+ people are connected to services and receive support, and feel understood, and not isolated, is very important.”

It is more important than ever for the Dumfries & Galloway

LGBT+ community to look out for each other.

During a global pandemic, in a rural area like Dumfries & Galloway, there are new and unprecedented challenges for many to find support, connection and community. As pubs, cafes and public gatherings are restricted to save lives from the COVID-19 virus, physical havens to safely express identities, or to find a chosen family, are closed, and LGBT+ services are running with less staff and reduced hours.

However, there are new opportunities for online LGBT+ communities to form – one local example is LGBTQ Voices, which is featured on page 8. On Christmas Day, the award-winning DJ collective for LGBT+ people in isolation, Queer House Party, will from 8pm till late, hosting a virtual queer party that’s “accessible, interactive, camp, radical, DIY, and punk AF.” Campaign Manager, Harry Gay, speaking in April 2020 about Queer House Party in the short film Soul of a Movement, said that more than 500 people can log in via Zoom to the Friday night event, listen to music and meet new people. “We’re trying to keep up the sense of community that was provided by queer spaces, but now doing it online,” said Gay.

Michael T. Hall, a specialist LGBT+ therapist practicing locally told the D&GQ previously that, “online communities can be a source of refuge, but the LGBT+ community needs to be constantly on the lookout for more opportunities to create our own intentional families and communities to affirm one another.” Especially over the holidays– a stressful time for many without the addition of a global pandemic – it is important to reach out to loved ones, and to stay connected via other means of communication, such as video calls.

If you are spending Christmas alone for the first time this year, it is recommended to allow yourself to grieve for what you may not now be able to do, and to list the things you can still do. This could include, sending someone a card or letter, going for a walk with a friend, or joining a new online community. It is also recommended to focus on the benefits of being in control of your own Christmas celebrations: no one will ask you to eat Brussel sprouts, or insist you watch the Queen’s speech, or ask you awkward questions this year! And while you may be physically alone, remember that you will be sharing the experience of a solo Christmas with many, many others.

If you are still feeling overwhelmed this holiday, further support is available at: Samaritans helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, calls can be made anytime, from any phone, and all calls are confidential.) / Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87 / LGBT Plus text service: 07547 157 718 / Support in Mind Scotland: 0131 662 4359 / Soul Soup: 01387 266 667 / Online help: https:// turn2me.org / Always call 999 in an emergency.

Illustration by Joshua Haynes