Holiday Survival Guide Talking Points
What to actually say during those f**ked up family conversations (Because we all have that one relative...)
For the Racist Uncle on "Crime Statistics"
The Facts:
→ FBI data confirms: White people commit the majority of crime in the US (they make up the largest demographic).
→ Despite this, Black individuals are disproportionately arrested and convicted— even when two offenders of different races commit the same crime together, Black people face greater odds of arrest, especially when the victim is white.
→ “Race” as a biological concept doesn’t explain behavior. Instead, social conditions such as poverty, systemic disadvantages, and unequal policing practices play a far larger role in who gets arrested and sentenced.
→ Past laws that led to stricer sentencing for crack cocaine vs. powder cocaine still impact incarceration rates today and specifically target the Black community, even though drug usage is the same across racial demographics.
Your Move: Shift to empathy & justice. "How would you feel being stereotyped based on your appearance?"
This shifts the discussion from statistics to shared values like fairness and respect for all individuals.
For the Other Uncle on "The Border"
The Facts:
→ Immigrants (documented + undocumented) commit FEWER crimes than US-born citizens
→ The claim that migrants are draining public benefits and “using your tax dollars” is a myth. Undocumented immigrants pay $30B in taxes annually but can't access federal benefits
→ Aggressive ICE enforcement has militarized US cities, arresting migrants with no criminal records as well as US citizens that fit a racial profile. ICE enforcement tear families apart and immigrants in detention are facing severe health and human rights risks— with unsafe conditions, abuse, and medical neglect being unfortunately, common problems.
Your Move: Name the human cost of enforcement. "How would you feel if your children went to bed afraid you might not come home?"
This shifts focus from abstract punishment to real human impact.
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For the Transphobic Brother-in-Law
The Facts:
→ Only 5 openly trans student-athletes on K-12 girls' teams nationwide
→ Trans people are 4x MORE likely to be victims of violent crime
→ Average lifespan of trans people is 30 years due to violence and suicide
→ Trans women pose NO increased risk—they're at risk themselves
Reality Check: Cis women face far more violence from cis, straight men than from trans women.
📲 Learn more @pinkmantaray and @genderlib
For the Anti-Abortion Aunt
The Facts:
→ Abortion bans DON'T stop abortions—they stop SAFE abortions
→ Forced pregnancies create serious physical and mental health risks for birthing people, including higher maternal mortality rates. States with abortion bans have seen sharp increases in maternal deaths and complications, disproportionately impacting women of color.
→ 1/4 of foster kids experience sexual abuse; 1/3 suffer physical abuse
The Reality: Forced birth ≠ guaranteed safety or nurturing home
Take action: Reproductive Rights Action Toolkit + FEMINIST News for accurate info
For the "Hands Off My Guns" Grandpa
The Facts:
→ 374 mass shootings in the US so far in 2025
→ Every developed country with stricter gun laws has fewer shootings
→ Evidence is clear: fewer guns = fewer deaths
The Question: Are children less important than guns?
Get involved: End Gun Violence Toolkit
For the Red-Pilled Cousin
The Facts:
→ 1 in 3 women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence
→ Andrew Tate faces 21+ criminal charges including rape and human trafficking in the UK and Romania
→ Court documents detail evidence of control, threats, and abuse
Real Talk: Hating women will not make your life better, reading bell hooks will!
Suggest: The FEMINIST Reading list
For the Mom Who Loves Trump
The Facts:
→ 25+ credible accusations of sexual harassment, assault, and misconduct
→ Found liable by a federal jury for sexually abusing E. Jean Carroll (ordered to pay millions)
→ Settled with a 13-year-old (Katie Johnson) to avoid trial
→ Caught on tape: "Grab 'em by the p*ssy" (2005 Access Hollywood)
→ Beauty pageant contestants confirm he entered dressing rooms while teenagers were changing
→ Have some of those Epstein file photos handy.
Your Move:
Shift to reflect on values.
"Can you share why documented sexual abuse isn’t disqualifying for you?"
This moves the discussion from partisan arguments to a space where we can agree on basic human decency.
For Your “Conspiracy-Theory-Loving” Little Brother
The Facts:
→ There is overwhelming scientific consensus that climate change is real and primarily caused by human activity, especially burning fossil fuels
→ Hotter, drier conditions are driving more frequent and severe wildfires worldwide — including record fires in California and Australia
→ Climate change is also fueling stronger hurricanes and extreme weather, not secret government “weather machines”
→ Extensive investigations and court cases confirm January 6 was carried out by Trump supporters and far-right extremists, with over 1,000 people charged — many openly identifying as MAGA
