Chosen Family and the Holidays: Finding Support as an LGBTQ+ Young Adult
The holiday season is often portrayed as a time filled with warmth, togetherness, and tradition. But for many LGBTQ+ young adults, this time of year can bring up feelings of stress, isolation, or even sadness—especially if family gatherings are complicated by a lack of acceptance or understanding. If you find yourself feeling out of place during the holidays, you’re not alone. Therapy can be a powerful tool to help you navigate these challenges, find community, and create meaningful traditions with your chosen family.
Why the Holidays Can Feel Difficult
For LGBTQ+ young adults, holiday stress often goes beyond the typical pressures of travel, finances, or scheduling. You may find yourself navigating:
Family tension or rejection. Not all families are supportive, and gatherings may include misgendering, invalidation, or difficult conversations.
Feeling left out. Holiday traditions that emphasize family may highlight the distance between your experience and the cultural “ideal.”
Loneliness. If you’re separated from family—or choosing not to attend gatherings—you might feel disconnected during a season that emphasizes togetherness.
Pressure to hide. Some people feel they can’t fully be themselves around relatives, which can be emotionally draining.
The Importance of Chosen Family
Chosen family refers to the supportive network of friends, mentors, and loved ones you intentionally create—people who affirm your identity and care for you without judgment. For many LGBTQ+ young adults, chosen family provides the love, belonging, and sense of home that may be missing elsewhere. Celebrating the holidays with chosen family can be deeply healing, whether that means hosting a “Friendsgiving,” attending community events, or simply sharing time with people who make you feel safe.
How Therapy Supports LGBTQ+ Young Adults During the Holidays
Working with an affirming therapist can make a significant difference during this season. Therapy provides:
A safe space to process emotions. You can explore feelings of grief, anger, or sadness without fear of judgment.
Coping strategies. Learn practical tools for handling difficult conversations, setting boundaries, or managing loneliness.
Identity affirmation. An affirming therapist validates your experiences and helps you stay grounded in who you are.
Connection to resources. Therapy can also help you connect with local LGBTQ+ support groups, events, or community spaces.
At Blue Square Counseling, our therapists offer LGBTQ+ therapy in Massachusetts, with a focus on affirming care for young adults. We also integrate creative approaches, such as art therapy, which can provide a powerful outlet for expressing emotions that may be hard to put into words.
Creating New Traditions That Feel Right for You
The holidays don’t have to look one way. You have the freedom to create traditions that reflect your values and bring you joy. This might include:
Hosting a dinner or game night with friends.
Volunteering at a local nonprofit or LGBTQ+ center.
Practicing mindfulness, yoga, or other calming rituals.
Making art, journaling, or creating a gratitude practice.
By focusing on activities that fill you up rather than deplete you, the holidays can become an opportunity for self-care and connection.
Reaching Out for Support
If the holidays feel overwhelming, remember that you don’t have to go through them alone. Working with a therapist can help you process difficult experiences and build resilience, while also connecting you with affirming community support.
At Blue Square Counseling, we provide compassionate, affirming therapy for LGBTQ+ young adults in Billerica, Lexington, and throughout Massachusetts via telehealth. Our team understands the unique challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face and is here to help you find balance, peace, and meaningful connection this holiday season.
Reach out today to schedule a session and take the first step toward creating a holiday experience that feels safe, affirming, and supportive.