Bishop Bonnie Radden says the holiday season can have an adverse effect on anyone suffering from depression, but especially LGBTQ. Photo: Bishop Bonnie Radden
LONG BEACH — The holiday season can have an adverse effect on anyone suffering from depression, but especially those within the LGBTQ community.
The holiday season has a lot of associations with family and togetherness, unfortunately many people in our community have experienced some family loss, whether it’s the loss of relationships or being ostracized or rejected due to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
The holidays remind us of these changed or strained relationships, and remembering them can worsen the effects of depression and make an individual feel even more isolated.
Also, if LGBTQ people are obligated to spend time with unsupportive family members, a bad situation can become worse and escalate feelings of depression.
To help combat seasonal depression, we need to to spend time around people and organizations that make us feel supported, loved and accepted.
Below are a few LGBTQ-friendly faith-based organizations that can help combat holiday depression.
- First Congregational Church
- St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
- Temple Israel
- Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach
- Christ Chapel of the Valley
- American Lutheran Church Burbank
- North Long Beach Christian Church
To find other LGBTQ inclusive churches in Long Beach or your city, visit GayChurch.org.
