Thanksgiving, centered on the idea of returning home, presents unique anxieties for many LGBTQ+ individuals. For those who are not fully accepted or who are closeted, holiday gatherings can force them to suppress their authentic selves, leading to emotional isolation even while surrounded by family. The specter of unsupportive relatives, microaggressions, or outright rejection creates intense stress, turning a celebration of gratitude into a painful negotiation of identity. Consequently, many LGBTQ+ people prioritize their chosen families, forging new, affirming traditions away from biological relatives to ensure their holiday is one of genuine safety and acceptance.
