This holiday season, community is more important than ever. We know the holidays can be a challenging time for people, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. But this year has been anything but ordinary. This holiday season will pose new challenges for our families, both immediate and chosen. That’s why we’ve put together a list of resources to help you and your loved ones find some good cheer this season.
Our hearts and thoughts are with all the individuals who aren’t welcome or don’t have a judgment-free safe space to go home to. As a kind reminder, we would never want you to feel pressured to be in a place or around people that put your wellbeing at risk. Remember there are resources out there. Whether you yourself are in need of a helping hand, or you’re looking to donate or volunteer, we’re here to provide some options.
With the pandemic at the forefront of everyone’s holiday planning this year, we put together a guide to navigating all of the state’s new restrictions and stay-at-home orders safely. Check out our blog here for our guide to having a COVID-safe holiday.
If you live in or nearby Gilroy, don’t forget to stop by Hollywellness, our second installment of our community health fairs. Be sure to register for the event so we can be as prepared for you as possible! We’ll see you then for free health services and wellness resources, including COVID-19 testing and flu shots. For the list of which services will be offered, check the event page here.
For some added light-hearted holiday fun, join Project MORE on December 19 at 7 pm for Holiday Game Night, a live-stream holiday trivia show on Twitch with special drag performances. The proceeds from Game Night will raise money for the MORE Relief Fund. Learn more here.
If you have the means, we encourage you to lend a hand to support your queer friends, family, and community members while following the safety measures in place in your county for the holidays. If you can’t do so directly, consider donating to or volunteering with one of the following service/resource providers. Or, simply spread the good cheer by sharing this holiday resource guide with your social circles.
If you need an extra hand with holiday meals, gifts or toys, check out this list of Bay Area Holiday resources. These places are also looking for volunteers or donations if you’re looking for ways to help the community this season. We will be adding to this list in the next few weeks so make sure to check back for more current resources as they are advertised. If you know of a resource that should be shared here, please email us at contact@domoreproject.org.
Community Resources for the Holidays
- Pride and Joy: Holiday program for LGBTQ+ refugees
- Trans Santa: Virtual Resource Bringing Gifts to Trans Youth
- Bay Area Family Giving Tree
- San Francisco Firefighters Toy Program
- DeFrank LGBTQ+ Center Holiday Gift Drive & Drive Thru
- Alameda County Community Food Bank
- SF Marin Food Bank
- AACI Holiday Drive
- SF County Holiday Assistance
- Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services
- WEAVE Winter Wonderland
- LGBTQ Youth Space – Holiday Goodie Bag Giveaway
Year-round community resources and links can be found on our resources page.
Project MORE Holiday Resources
- HollyWellness – LGBTQ+ inclusive and affirming community health fair
- Holiday Game Night – free live stream game show with special performances raising funds for people in need
- Holiday Gift List – support LGBTQ-focused products and LGBTQ and minority owned businesses
- Celebrating the Holidays Safely during COVID
- MORE Relief Fund – a fund dedicated to LGBTQ+ persons and families in need, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.