It’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule, and time for the secular
visit from Santa my friends! Which also means, in spite of everything else
that’s happening around us right now, there’s a special something in the air. A
something that makes it easy to want to give, to take care of each other, to
help the less fortunate.
Now, if you aren’t giving, can’t give, or don’t want to,
that’s your business and I truly do not judge (and not in that “I’m not
judging” way that your aunt has which means she’s actually judging the shit out
of you, but real and genuine not judging).
However, if you’re looking to give, may I suggest making
your holiday giving just a little different than it has been in the past.
Consider…
Planned Parenthood.
1530 Ellis Street, Bellingham, WA. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/washington/bellingham/98225/bellingham-health-center-2454-91780
Think they’re just for straight women? Think again. Right there on their site
is the fact that they offer LGBT services and men’s health services. But at
this point, let’s be honest – most of the straight women who access Planned Parenthood
are as vulnerable as we are. Intersectionality is a thing, people. So the
organization needs support, regardless.
The Council on
American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). The closest branch is in Seattle, and
you can find more information here: http://cairseattle.org/
For many people, this one is a little scary. We’ve been taught to be afraid.
Getting past that fear is important, though. Not sure where to start? The
landing page of CAIR Seattle (at the time of this writing, anyway) has an
article titled How to Be an Ally and a
Friend. You don’t have to be perfect. You do have to care.
Want to keep it a little more in the family, so to speak? Muslims for Progressive Values out of
California is openly and directly allied with the LGBTQ community. You can find
them here: http://www.mpvusa.org/
NW Immigration Rights
Project. https://www.nwirp.org/ Their
core values are dignity, fairness, solidarity, self-determination, safety, and
inclusion. If we in the LGBTQ community don’t understand the absolutely vital
necessity of these principles, then no one does. Don’t let the fear mongers
teach you anything else.
Here’s the thing, though – some people are over being
political. Or aren’t at all. Or need a break. Or just want to make a kid smile
on the holiday. You can do that, too.
The Whatcom County
Food Bank at 1824 Ellis Street is happy to take donations. Just stop by
Monday through Friday. Also, if you’re over people but want to help animals,
they accept pet food donations on behalf of the Humane Society.
The Northwest Youth
Services (http://www.nwys.org/always-needed-items/), Lydia’s Place (http://lydiaplace.org/support/), Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Services (http://dvsas.org/get-involved/donate/)are three of the many
organizations that need and take donations. If none of these work for you, call
the local churches, temples, and senior centers. They will have options and
resources for you.
It may seem very dark right now. It may stay very dark for a
while. But the holidays are a time we can push back against the dark, bring in
a little light. And trust me when I tell
you that the people in need aren’t the only ones who will feel better if you give.
Whatever you celebrate, may it be joyous and blessed. And until
next month – next year – take care of
you.
