Giving Thanks Safely
Looking to contribute to your community this Thanksgiving? Know someone who needs support this holiday season? Need some affirming folks to spend the day with? We know the holidays are often tough times for our community and may be made even tougher because of the pandemic. Read on to find some tips on how to hold a safer Thanksgiving celebration this year, as well as a few places and resources to volunteer, get food, or find company to spend some time with.
In general, if you can avoid an in-person celebration, that would be your safest bet. However, if you are planning to attend a family or Friendsgiving gathering, please follow CDC best practices to keep you and your loved ones safe. How to Plan a Safe, Small Holiday Gathering.
For added safety, ask all guests to quarantine/stay at home as much possible 14 days beforehand and/or get a COVID-19 viral test a few days prior to the gathering. If possible, hold the event outside or in a well-ventilated space. These tactics will not eliminate all risks, so it is still wise to follow CDC guidelines of mask-wearing, 6+ft distancing, and hand washing.
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, many typical inclusive gatherings have been canceled or have yet to be announced. Please check your local LGBTQ+ center for more details as they may be creating a virtual event.
If you are in need of a meal, please consider these resources:
- Sacramento LGBT Center Friendsgiving (Nov. 26)
- DeFrank Center Free Grocery (Nov. 24)
- Oakland LGBTQ Community Center Thanksgiving Food Truck
- Places Providing Holiday Meals & Assistance in the South Bay
- Donate or Receive a Thanksgiving meal; Bay Area Crisis Nursery
- SF-Marin Foodbank Pop-Up Pantries Locations
If you need some companionship through a virtual event the week of Thanksgiving, give these options a try:
- DeFrank Center Virtual Thanksgiving Luncheon (Nov. 26)
- Virtual Youth Club @ the Oakland LGBTQ Center (Nov. 26)
- Pacific Center Calendar Including Several Support Groups Thanksgiving Day
- Adult Respite @ the Sacramento LGBTQ Community Center
- Sunday Drag Brunch Thanksgiving Week in Oakland
- Family Friendly in Person and Virtual Events
- Other Virtual & In Person Volunteer Opportunities
We hope these resources provide some useful information for you for your Thanksgiving holiday. Please feel free to share with anyone you may know who needs it! Have a happy, safe Thanksgiving!