#february break

Simple yes or no. Do you have a week off from school that takes place in February

Tag the general location of where u live in the tags

Last night, filled the crockpot with sliced yellow onions. Added some olive oil, melted butter, salt and pepper. Let it cook on low 12 hours overnight.

This morning, woke up to a house smelling delicious and a pot of perfectly cooked onions:

Added 4 cups beef broth, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire, 1 tablespoon browning sauce (gravy master), 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 clove minced garlic.

I am sitting at my desk after getting caught up with grading and now am staring down the barrel of what I want to accomplish during this February break. I do know I want to write, watch movies, and get in a gaming session or two. I need to get my sticker changed on my car and I need to begin to think about what I’m actually going to do next year. Am I staying? Am I going? Where will I go if I go?…

Since Feb 14 is Valentine’s Day, this month we’re looking at ways to #LoveYourLGBTKids. Since February Break is next week and many folks are traveling, we’re looking at ways to support a kid who’s not ready to be out yet.

The most important thing: check in with them! They may already have ideas of what makes them feel safe. You can also affirm that they’re not any “less gay” or “less trans” just because they’re not ready to share that with everyone.

Traveling can be stressful anyway, and sometimes LGBTQ+ folks don’t want to have to explain themselves or their identity. And in an increasingly hostile political environment, kids may not feel safe sharing that part of themselves.

Some things to check in about: How to respond to nosy questions posing as small-talk? Like if people ask about your gay son “Oh, does he have a girlfriend?”, what does he want you to say? 

If they’re going by a new name, what name do they want used while traveling? Maybe they want you to use their old name, but maybe they’ll say something like “I hate it when you call me Jake, and I’m not ready to have the conversation about being Jane, so call me ‘J’”

Other things: Are there ways for your kid to stay connected with their community while traveling? Maybe visiting a queer coffee shop, or planning a quiet evening where they can do a video call with a friend.

You can also pack affirming clothing, like affirming underwear, so that even if your child doesn’t feel comfortable wearing their regular wardrobe, they can still feel like themselves in some small, private way.

Traveling can be tough for LGBTQ+ people, but by showing your support and checking in, you’re making a huge impact!