Are you a member of the LGBTQIA+ community?
Or a child, parent, friend of someone who is LGBTQIA+
You already know that life
is more challenging for you,
than for your straight and cisgender friends & family.
Loss and transition can be extra difficult.
You might be in the closet and isolated;
scared to tell anyone that you fell in love,
just lost your partner or
are worried about your health.
You might be out;
enjoying the love of friends,
acceptance of co-workers and neighbors.
And, you probably still experience gaps.
You might not have your family’s full support.
nor the support of a faith community.
You aren’t supposed to be discriminated against
in our city or state, but….
As a LGBTQIA+ person,
many of your losses are harder to bear.
You don’t have to bear them in silence.
It helps to have someone who can hear you.
As a LGBTQIA+ person,
some life transitions are unique to you:
Loss of life image; how you thought your life would be.
Coming out. Over and over again.
Loss of heterosexual or cisgender privilege
Hate crimes. Homophobia.
Loss of religion.
Loss of family support
Pregnancy, parenting, custody loss
Gender transition
Same-sex marriage, divorce, separation, break-up
Widow – widower