Quick exit

Winter Welfare

Christmas and the winter holidays can be hard for trans+ folks for lots of reasons. It’s normal to have feelings about this! But don’t feel you have to struggle on your own – here are some ideas and info for taking care of yourself and others over the holiday season. Remember that you’re not alone, and by supporting each other we’ll get through (and hopefully enjoy) this time.

Help! I’m on my own or feeling isolated

  • If you’d like to be with others, consider joining a community event – there are lots of free Christmas lunches at community centres in Oxford on 25th December that are welcoming to all. You could even volunteer to help out, which is a great way to meet people. See the Oxfordshire Homeless Movement website for more information
  • Check out other queer-friendly community events – e.g. the Oxford Trans Social winter meal on 20th December and New Year’s Eve at the Nest (see the events page on our website for more!)
  • Who could you reach out to – either in the local community or remotely?
A pen and watercolour illustration of a group of people enjoying a festive community lunch. Two people in the foreground are wearing party crowns and pulling a cracker, and another person is serving them potatoes and brussels sprouts

Help! I’m stuck with unsupportive family

  • What can you do to connect with things and people who help you feel like yourself? E.g. messaging or meeting up with supportive friends or listening to some queer music.
  • What can you do to set boundaries around people or conversations you find difficult? E.g. ‘“I won’t be answering questions about that.” (See this resource on the Thrive Life Line Instagram for more examples.)
  • Galop has a helpline for LGBT+ people experiencing abuse – contact via their website or call 0800 999 5428
A pen and watercolour illustration of a femme person painting their fingernails and listening to music. They are sitting by a mirror decorated with a trans pride flag and photos of friends.

Help! I need mental health support

Oxfordshire Safe Haven – for those experiencing a mental health crisis

Mind Out

  • Online chat open Mon, Tues and Weds over Christmas and New Year, 3pm-5pm
  • Contact via the Mind Out website

Samaritans

Checklist

  • Make sure you’ve got enough of your usual medications to last you over the Christmas closures (see the Healthwatch Oxfordshire website for more info about pharmacy closures)
  • Check in with friends and let them know if you think you might struggle over the holidays
  • Make plans going into the situation – e.g. exit strategies, people you can reach out to
  • The usual things – have you drunk enough water? Have you eaten something today? What else can you do to look after yourself? (Have a look at our Wellbeing resources page for more on this.)
  • If you’re affected by the short, dark days – do you have access to a SAD lamp? Can you try to build some daylight into your routine?
A pen and watercolour illustration of a masc person talking to a friend over videocall on a phone.

Resources

A pen and watercolour heart in the colours of the trans pride flag, with the words 'you are loved' and a tiny heart inside.

Thanks to KR Howell for the illustrations!