Setting Boundaries With Family as Transgender Adult.
The holiday season is also known as "boundary season." Dr. Z explains what boundaries are, the types of boundaries that exist, and how to set healthy boundaries—especially crucial during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year when it comes to family.
Boundaries aren't just between people—you can set boundaries with social media, time, driving, anything. They're there to protect and safeguard your well-being (mental, physical, spiritual), create space to breathe, stay grounded, and re-energize. Types include physical, sexual, emotional, time, holiday, birthday, special events, and gender boundaries—like correcting someone who misgenders you and ending the conversation if they continue.
For trans folks during holidays, families often set restrictions: "you can come unless you present the way we want," "use your old name," "look a certain way," "don't talk to my kids." Those are their boundaries, but you don't have to abide by them. You can set your own.
Watch to find out how to think about boundaries (firm but flexible vs rigid vs permeable), what questions to ask yourself when setting them, why compromises matter, and how to protect your well-being without unnecessary suffering.
