Cassandra Sheridan spent Thanksgiving with a group she met online, marking her first offline meeting with them. At 41, she’s carving out a new path in Port Richey, Florida.
From Memphis to Port Richey: A Fresh Start
Moving from near Memphis to Florida in July wasn’t easy for Sheridan. After a divorce and coming out as a queer woman, leaving behind familiar surroundings was a significant step. But finding a new support system has helped ease the transition.
“Coming here, someplace new and not having a family – you have a friend or two, but they have their own family – and doing something with a community-minded group who accept you and they’ve actively shown they want to be a part of your life has made all the difference,” she shared.
Sheridan’s chosen family provided the warmth and acceptance she needed during this challenging time.
A Growing Trend: Celebrating Differently
Sheridan is among many Americans opting out of traditional holiday gatherings. A May 2024 survey revealed that most of the 2,000 respondents prefer alternative ways to celebrate, with 85% citing reasons for not going home. Whether it’s finding a supportive chosen family or embarking on solo adventures, people are redefining holiday celebrations to better fit their lives.
- Chosen Families: Groups like Stand in Pride are pivotal in this shift.
- Solo Travels: Increasing numbers are booking trips alone to find peace and self-discovery.
Stand in Pride: Creating Connections
Sheridan connected with her new family through Stand in Pride, a nonprofit that pairs LGBTQ+ individuals with allies willing to become their chosen families. Since its inception in 2021, the organization has grown to over 300,000 members across 26 countries and is now developing a location-based mobile app.
| Key Statistics | Data |
|---|---|
| Members worldwide | 300,000+ |
| Countries represented | 26 |
| Year founded | 2021 |
| Members transitioning app | In progress |
Daniel Blevins, founder of Stand in Pride, emphasized the importance of providing a space for people to seek support and build new traditions. “What we do is give people the space to put that invitation out or ask for that support,” he explained.
The Impact of Chosen Families
Sheridan isn’t alone in her experience. A 2023 Trevor Project survey found that fewer than 40% of LGBTQ+ and transgender or nonbinary youth feel their homes affirm their identities. The emotional strain of rejection can be severe, with 41% considering suicide, especially among people of color and transgender individuals.
The holidays amplify these challenges. Stand in Pride offers a sanctuary where members can find belonging and recreate lost traditions, making the festive season more inclusive and supportive.
Solo Adventures: Finding Solace in Travel
Not everyone is joining a chosen family. Many, like Mikala Whitaker, are choosing solo trips to celebrate the holidays. Beyond, a vacation rental management platform, reported that solo holiday bookings rose from 11.3% last Thanksgiving to 20.6% this year.
Julie Brinkman, CEO of Beyond, noted, “The holidays are incredibly stressful, and the ability to get away from that stress is appealing.”
Whitaker’s journey to Mount Kilimanjaro is a testament to this trend. Skipping Christmas with friends and family, she sought healing and self-discovery through an adventurous trek. “I needed to give myself something to look forward to, do something really exciting, something to heal from this experience,” she explained.
Her family supported her decision, recognizing the importance of travel in her life. Arriving in Tanzania on Christmas Eve, Whitaker spent the holiday unwinding by the hotel pool before embarking on her hike. “It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she reflected.
