December Extra - The December Project

Hey Poppets, this is a slightly different article than I usually write. My usual In The Mix style article is here, too, so consider this a PSA of sorts. While the holidays are a joyous time for many of us, for others, not so much. For some of us, the holidays can be a reminder of how alone we feel. And for a transgendered person, that loneliness can be even more magnified. It was out of the understanding of this loneliness that The December Project was born.

The December Project is run and staffed by Jennifer Finney Boylan (national co-chair of GLAAD), Mara Keisling (director of the National Center of Transgender Equality), Dylan Scholinski (director of Sent(a)mental Studios), and Helen Boyd (professor at Lawrence University). Two transgendered women, a transgendered man, and the spouse of a transgendered woman, they are uniquely qualified to understand how important a friendly voice can be. The December Project is based on providing that friendly voice to transgendered men and women, and anyone who loves a transgendered person.

Here’s how it works: If you are transgendered, or the partner of someone who is transgendered, and could use a supportive, caring phone call, be in touch with Jenny Finney Boylan. She can be reached at jb@jenniferboylan.net. Email her your name and phone number and one of the four of them will give you a call sometime in the month of December. Know your information will be kept completely confidential, so you don’t have to worry about it if you aren’t out or open. Also, keep in mind that this is a friendly phone call, not therapy. If you are in crisis, call the suicide prevention hotline at -1-800-273-8255. This is about spreading a little happiness, reassuring you that you are loved just the way you are, and building good memories of the holiday season.

If you want more information, you can get it here: http://www.jenniferboylan.net/2013/11/23/trans-holidays-got-you-down-we-will-call-you-on-the-phone/ And if you are someone, anyone, who is lonely this time of year, remember, I think you’re pretty great. None of us are as alone as we feel. The December Project is a great reminder of that. Happy Holidays, Poppets.