TBN #6

Time to unpack our knapsack 🎒

Another week, another trip for me. I recently returned from a mini vacation in Seattle. While I spent some time doing tourist-y things like visiting The Space Needle and the original Starbucks, I learned a few things about the Seattle area. Did you know Seattle is the 6th most expensive place to live? Due to this, there is a fast growing unhoused population. Given this information and the events of this week, I am reminded of our theme this month. From Trans Lives to folks experiencing layoffs and homelessness—regardless of what people are going through—they are deserving of dignity. We must recognize our privilege while also acknowledging the full humanity of individuals and groups. We’ll talk more about this later in this week’s newsletter.

In other news…

…The Basic Newsletter will not be sent next week.

Next Thursday is a holiday and I will be out of the country. Don’t worry. I will be back on December 1 with more basic but good content. If you are missing me—or the content, you can check out the blog.

This week I am providing resources to help you (mentally) prepare for being around family, friends, and loved ones during the holidays. No worries if you do not celebrate holidays, the advice is useful 365/24/7.

Let’s take a deep breath and get into this week’s news and learning opportunities.

Sincerely,

Your favorite CDO

Amber Benton

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WEEKLY UPDATE

CLIFF NOTES: IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…

• This week is Trans Awareness Week. Watch this to learn how to be an ally to the trans and non-binary community.

• It’s still Native American Heritage Month.

• It was Veteran’s Day (November 11) and there’s a new National Native American Veterans Memorial.

• Support an Indigenous-led abortion fund.

• It’s also National Family Caregivers Month. Here are some stats.

• Tech layoffs at Peloton, Meta, Amazon, Twitter and Disney, too. However, layoffs should not undermine DEI progress.

• Dollar General is in severe violation.

BENTON’S BASICS: I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU ASKED ME THAT

Long story short…

Sometimes family (and family friends) ask questions that they shouldn’t. Here are some tips for responding to their uncomfortable questions:

1. Do not take anything personally

2. Pivot to a light-hearted topic

3. Do not disclose information you do not want to

4. Ask for support ahead of time

5. Suggest entertainment ideas to keep family and friends busy

Learn more at The Everygirl

STUDY HALL: UNPACKING SETTLER PRIVILEGE

While unpacking white privilege is becoming more popularized, it is equally important to learn about the privilege we may (or may not hold) by residing on Indigenous land. In honor of Native American Heritage Month, let’s learn about settler privilege.

Learn More

HOMEWORK: TEARS AND TURKEY

What I’m Watching: From Scratch on Netflix. It’s a beautiful love story but also a tear-jerker 😭. You’ve been warned.

What I’m Drinking: Ginger Beer (tried it for the first time. I know I’m late to the party but it is quite delicious)

What I’m Eating: Because I like you, I’m sharing my favorite turkey recipe.

DANCE BREAK: 2 SUGAR

I am a fan of WizKid’s music and his new release, “2 Sugar” makes you feel like you’re dancing in a tropical paradise.

Listen to the song

DOUBLE TAP: WHO I’M FOLLOWING

@nedratawwab

Follow Nedra Tawwab on Instagram for mental wellness and great advice on setting boundaries. She has great examples of phrases you can say to your loved ones to set healthy boundaries this season.

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