The holidays are always interesting.

This year, with my family gathered for Christmas, I decided to finally come out. I told them that for the past 6 years I have been living happily under my real pronouns and true name in online communities, building the confidence to come out IRL. I told them of my plans to seek affirming care and that I intended to start living honestly in real life too, no longer just on the web. I expected shock, I expected that they would need time to adjust, but I never expected to be completely shut out.

There wasn't even yelling, or tons of questions like I expected, just tense silence and awkward glances and cousins and aunts making excuses to leave. My dad left while I was pretending to use the restroom but actually having a panic attack.

None of them have spoken to me since Christmas. I hoped for at least understanding in the year 2025. I am absolutely shattered.

Whatever. Here's to a better 2026.