Lunar New Year is all about food, family, and… unsolicited questions from your aunties and relatives. For queer folks like us, it’s a unique mix of celebration and stress. But don’t worry, here are some tips for you!
Relatives love to grill you about your life, and for queer folks, the questions can get extra sticky.
“Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?”
“When are you getting married?”
Remember, you don’t owe anyone your life story. You can keep it light and sassy. Something like, “I’m focusing on self-love right now, Auntie.” If a relative keeps pushing your buttons, it’s perfectly okay to shut it down. “I’d rather not talk about that, thanks!”
If that’s not enough, try shutting down your nosy relatives with cash. When they start grilling you about your love life, just whip out a red envelope. Think of it as your holiday shield. It’s not cheap, but it may work!
If the family gathering gets overwhelming, step outside for some fresh air, take a nap, or find a quiet corner to scroll through TikTok. Self-care is key, and it’s okay to step away from the chaos when you need to.
If you make this moment to come out to your family and they’re supportive, that’s amazing. But if they’re not, make sure you’ve got a squad you can text or call when things get rough.
Finally, if your bio family isn’t supportive (or is just too much to handle), spend Lunar New Year with people who love and accept you for who you are. It’s your holiday too, so celebrate it in a way that feels good for you.