There are not easy times, especially for anyone who was struggling with mental health issues before the pandemic. Whatever you’re feeling is valid and all of us at Girl Boner Central hope this special pre-holiday episode brings you some comfort and light.    In this episode:   Ellen Kahn, Senior Director of Programs and Partnerships for the Human Rights Campaign, speaks about her background and work with the Human Rights Campaign, and ways COVID-19 is impacting the LGBTQIA+ community, especially trans and queer people of color.   Thomas Davis, Founder/Artistic Director & Project Lead for The Creative Remedy & Education Workshop, speaks about his personal journey, from growing up as one of the only Black kids in his school and learning perplexing information about sex and sexuality to realizing he was HIV positive and becoming an outspoken advocate. He shares how the pandemic has been impacting his own mental health, as well as what’s been helping.    Dr. Amelia Burke-Garcia, program area director at NORC at the University of Chicago and director of How Right Now, talks about the research behind the initiative, its aims and ways we can all benefit from it. The guests also share messages of hope for anyone really struggling and what they’re most grateful for lately.   Dr. Megan Fleming weighs in for a listener whose primary relationship is strained by pressures to attend group holiday gatherings. How can she smoothen things out with her wife, protect both of their health and ensure special holidays?     A few things you’ll learn:   Ways COVID-19 is impacting mental health, wellbeing, coping and resilience Unique challenges folks in the LGBTQIA+, BIPoC and poly communities are facing How to talk to a partner about tense pandemic-related challenges COVID-19 safety tips related to gatherings What it’s like to use the How Right Now website  More! Get the support you need: howrightnow.org Holiday Celebrations and Gathering Tips: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays Sign up for Dr. Megan’s free 9-day pleasure challenge: greatlifegreatsex.com/pleasure Join the exclusive Girl Boner community: patreon.com/girlboner