Published in the December 2025 Edition
By Janan Broadbent, Ph. D.
(Credit: AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
We are living in unpredictable, unprecedented and add-any-other-related-adjective times. It does not take much to start down the slippery slope of despair and hopelessness. Like many people I talk with, I find myself up and down, sometimes anxious and depressed because every day brings another atrocity that I never imagined would take place in this country. Other times, I see demonstrations taking place everywhere, even in remote and red states, or I join a group waving signs and flags and then feel the power of community. Let’s not forget the power of humor: Reading those columns of humor experts, making fun of what is taking place definitely provides respite and a wider perspective (Try: jefftiedrich@substack.com)
Then there is the media: Some infuriating because there is sane washing on every page. Here and there some with a realistic take telling it like it is (sorry for the cliché). Or thoughtful takes on whatever is going on that day (Dan Rather: steady@substack.com).
What helps in getting through crises, whether personal, professional, or country or world-wide, is connecting with others. As human beings, we need that camaraderie to thrive, especially in a community like LGBTQ+. Being able to share thoughts, feelings, reactions and views strengthen those connections. I recently heard from someone who had cut communications because of health problems and thought the problems would get in the way of the friendship. Well, if acceptance of one another does not include all its foibles, is it a friendship? On the other hand, I can’t count how many times I have heard of connections of even family members being broken because of last several years’ divisions in political affiliations. I do understand that because that involves a huge difference in values and beliefs, and with that, how could one be real friends anyway?