Home for the HoliGAYs

Welcome to the UPenn LGBT Center’s dedicated resource hub, specially curated for our cherished LGBTQ+ community members embarking on a journey home for the holidays. We acknowledge that this period can often bring with it an array of challenging emotions and scenarios, from confronting homophobic or transphobic family attitudes, grappling with feelings of isolation, to the unsettling sensation of reverting back to a younger version of oneself.

Our goal is to provide you with comprehensive emotional, mental, and physical support resources to help you navigate these hurdles with resilience and grace. This platform is your safe space, brimming with valuable resources, insightful advice, and supportive connections, all aimed at empowering and nurturing you throughout your holiday experience.

Feeling Fearful?

  • The Trevor Project Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386 – This lifeline is available 24/7 for LGBTQ+ youth who need someone to talk to. They also have a robust website with resources.
  • Trans Lifeline: This is a helpline staffed by transgender people for transgender people. It’s a place to call if you’re in crisis or just need someone to talk to.

Feeling Surprised?

  • TrevorSpace: An online international peer-to-peer community for LGBTQ+ young people.
  • LGBT National Help Center: Provides free and confidential support, information and local resources.

Feeling Lonely?

  • Q Chat Space: A digital community where LGBTQ+ teens can find like-minded peers and chat in a safe and moderated space.
  • Your Holiday Mom: A virtual home for the holidays – offering our LGBTQ+ youth a supportive community of moms.

Feeling Sad?

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime, about any type of crisis.
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: A national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7.

Feeling Disgusted?

  • GSA Network: A next-generation LGBTQ+ racial and gender justice organization that empowers and trains queer, trans and allied youth leaders.
  • Q Chat: Offers live online chats in both English and Spanish for LGBTQ youth ages 13-17.

Need a Distraction?

Guiding Insights and Biany Pérez

Philadelphia-based therapist Biany Pérez supports BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially anxious high achievers and survivors, using an eclectic range of healing methods. As a nonbinary, Black, Latine/x, queer individual, Biany is dedicated to guiding communities towards healing and reclaiming their self-determined voices and beliefs.

Binay joined us on 12/4 and 12/11 to help answer questions during our Home for the HoliGAYs event at the LGBT Center and offered their take on Queer Holiday Survival Tips.