Holiday Solidarity
There was a time when the Holidays came around,
I needed the days to go a certain way.
If anything went wrong, I would experience anger.
There could be no arguing, fighting or mishap.
There could be nothing that resembled the holidays I experienced as a kid.
There would also be tears and attempts at filling the void I felt, grieving my biological family.
I would go to every extended family event, even if it meant driving to multiple homes on a snowy night.
I would get gifts for everyone.
It all needed to be perfect.
Then I realized, that some of the people I would visit, I didn’t actually like.
Then I realized that I would rather spend time taking part in traditions I enjoy,
Rather than the ones that were “how it’s always been”.
There isn’t a “right” holiday food.
Or a “right” way to spend the holidays.
I learned the holidays were what I wanted to make them.
With the people I want.
Being as queer as I want.
Without having to argue with that one homophobic aunt and uncle.
My solidarity lies with those who do not abide by traditions.
Who came from dysfunctional families and generational trauma.
It lies with those who are on strict budgets and tight shoe strings
And those who re-gift
Because something old to one, is new to another.
My solidarity lies with those who shoplift from big name stores
for the things living pay check to pay check does not allow for.
It is with those who work minimum wage, factory and other blue collar jobs.
Whose health often comes last,
Who get the least amount of respect,
Yet who our society runs off the backs of.
My holiday solidarity lies with those who turn on the news and feel immense overwhelm
Because they are well aware that the system, does not work for them.
My solidarity is with the queers.
The outcasts.
The addicts.
The homeless.
It is with those who spend the holidays with their chosen circle of care.
Those who spend the holidays with their pets,
Or alone.
It is with those who are estranged from their biological families.
My holiday solidarity lies with those who reclaim the holidays for themselves.
It is with those who are breaking the cycle of generational holiday harm.