G&STC’s Director Jesse Kahn talks with Sarah Simon at VeryWell Health about How to Navigate Conversations at a Mixed Vaxxed Thanksgiving
CHECK OUT G&STC’S DIRECTOR JESSE KAHN TALKING WITH SARAH SIMON AT VERYWELL HEALTH ABOUT HOW TO TALK TO YOUR UNVACCINATED RELATIVES.
Jesse Kahn, LCSW-R, CST director and therapist at The Gender & Sexuality Therapy Center in New York City added that when you figure out what you're comfortable with, you can communicate those boundaries in a respectful way.
"It's tempting to tell everyone what you want them to do to make you comfortable, but unfortunately whether or not someone else gets vaccinated or wears a mask isn't within our power to control," Kahn told Verywell. But by setting boundaries you can control your level of safety.
Also, Kahn added, what is your safety limit? Are you okay being indoors with other unmasked vaccinated people? What about asking unvaccinated people to test for COVID-19 before they gather with you?
After setting and communicating boundaries, there's no reason to talk about COVID-19 or the vaccines if you don't want to. But if you’re open to having potential conflict-based or tense conversations, Kahn said, go for it. But also accept that you may not change anyone else’s mind.
Kahn added that having a "standby phrase" ready can help you feel prepared.
"Something like, 'I know we have opposite opinions on this topic, and I'd prefer to avoid an argument. While we're together, let's talk about something we can all enjoy,'" he said. "Offer a new topic, and carry on the conversation in a new direction."
Kahn said that it's good to keep in mind that people may be accidentally spreading misinformation. "If someone says something you know to be incorrect, talk with them to see where the disconnect is happening," he said. You can ask questions regarding:
Where they got their information
How they are interpreting the information
Where you seek out your information
Once you have more information, he added, "you can redirect them with something like, 'I heard that as well, but after a bit of reading I learned it wasn't true."' Then you can share the information you have gathered instead.