From that drunken office party to folks meeting the new boyfriend: London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard (www.llgs.org.uk) advise Circa on how to best survive an LGBT Christmas.

Christmas isn’t always all it’s “crackered” up to be. As the shops start their run-up earlier and earlier, expectations climb higher and higher. Even before December 25th, many people have simply had enough – not least if they don’t actually celebrate Christmas! For many LGBT people, the so-called season of goodwill brings a whole range of additional stresses and strains.

You can always call London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard on 020 7837 7324 if you need to chat, need information, or want referrals to other services and organisations. The helpline’s lesbian, gay and bisexual volunteers speak to 30,000 people a year from across the UK on a broad range of subjects, with further information available via our web-based database, www.queery.org.uk. All calls are in confidence and, as we’re non-judgmental and non-directive, we won’t tell you what to do.

So what kind of things do we talk to our callers about at this time of year? We speak to people about similar topics as at other times – from coming out to going out, falling in love to domestic violence, safer sex and sexual health, via homophobia and bullying - plus other topics that tend to especially arise around now! If you’re not feeling so festive, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.

Some people find themselves stressed about the office party. A drunken fumble with a colleague may be embarrassing the next day, or it could also have longer-term consequences, for instance if you weren’t out at work before. But remember there is new government legislation to support LGBT people in the workplace.

Meanwhile, some people are left waiting under the mistletoe, as it can be very hard to meet new people around Christmas. You can call us to find out what social and support groups are operating over the festive period.

Some of our callers have decided to come out at Christmas. Coming out, especially to parents, is stressful at any time; doing it at a time when family tensions can be running high anyway may not be ideal. It’s your information, to tell who you want when you want. Do it when you’re ready, not just because the family is gathered together.

You may not be coming out at Christmas, but going back to the family home may be stressful. From inappropriate comments by an elderly aunt, to bringing a new partner back to your family’s house for the first time, an extended LGBT family doesn’t always fit the heterosexual mould. There are times when family isn’t necessarily fun. Make sure you have a healthy outlet for your feelings, such as a listening ear at the other end of a phone line.

Sadly, too, Christmas seems to be a possible trigger for domestic violence. But you don’t have to suffer in silence. If you’re being abused by a partner or ex-partner, we can signpost you to agencies who will take you seriously and provide you with help.

And after Christmas, you may have to cope with the results of over-indulgence – whether it’s your bulging waistline or your bulging credit card bill. Reassessing your life in the New Year may turn up concerns about “too much pills and liquor” (in the words of Fräulein Sally Bowles), or about your sexual health. There is help at hand, whether it’s a “stopping smoking” course or a trip to the GUM clinic.

So just remember to take the time to relax over the festive season, and afterwards. If you need a fresh perspective, give us a call.

London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard is on 020 7837 7324, with an online info database at www.queery.org.uk
It is always looking for new volunteers to answer the phones. For more information on volunteering opportunities, visit www.llgs.org.uk/volunteering.html

You can support the organisation in other ways, too - for instance by donating. More at www.llgs.org.uk/supportus.html