Breaking Bread: A Thanksgiving Tale of Tradition and Tension

As I gather with my loved ones, the memories and tensions of the past years come to the forefront. This Happy Indigenous Day, some Thanksgiving celebrations will be joyous, while for others, they will be marred by unresolved issues. In my family, though we celebrate the end of the growing season and the harvest, the holiday is tinged with a complex mix of celebration and division.

Months and years ago, Maga relatives decided you were trash. It is a choice I respect but one that does not affect my spirit of Thanksgiving. Acknowledging the complexities of family, I celebrate the holidays for the warmth of love and connection. For some, the decision to distance themselves from posts on social media or family gatherings has brought a measure of peace. But for me, the decision to break away from the divisive practices is a long-standing one.

Decades of Division

Decades ago, during the Iraq War, I faced the constant bombardment of anti-gay rhetoric from Fox News. Each holiday, I would be forced to defend myself, and life is too short for such burdens. My family, though not all, remained in my life. I value my sister’s family, but the proximity and shared history with my sister’s kin in New England is a hazy existence for now. This year, I will be hosting Thanksgiving with my daughter, my two brothers, and a close friend.

The Complex Truth

For my MAGA cousin, whose inclusion in my family's gatherings I cannot ignore, there is only bitterness. Mary, my mother's first cousin, brought disgrace to her family when she chose to live in Mexico rather than stay with her parents. Her voting for Felon Trump, which she later had a change of heart on, is a fracture that cannot be mended.

Mary's decision underscores the contrast between the refugee complex and the reality of certain individuals from our past. The term I am looking for, though ugly, describes those who come to America, have a child, and then return to their native lands. It is a term that encapsulates a specific type of exploitation, one that has fueled much of the anti-immigrant sentiment that led to Trump's rise to power. Mary voted for Nazis, my daughter, and her LGBTQ daughter, a clear indication of her allegiance to Doom.

A Path Forward

Addressing the conundrum of family ties and the pain within them, I believe in celebrating with those who bring love and support. This year, I will be celebrating 5 days off on Happy Indigenous Day and shall honor the Indigenous heritage. Instead of breaking bread with those who choose division over unity, I will focus on empowering our culture and restategizing our survival in this tumultuous times.

While some may choose to welcome those who voted against their existence, I choose empowerment and unity. As Trump and his policies reveal the true cost of migrant exploitation, I will continue to advocate for the rights of all, and the recognition that human beings are not illegal. Together, we can survive and thrive.