The New Year is here, but instead of reinventing ourselves, what if we chose to return to ourselves?

In this cozy, reflective episode of Unpacking the Closet, we talk about why “New Year, New Me” culture is unrealistic, capitalist, and often harmful, especially for queer folks, chronically ill folks, and anyone who’s exhausted from trying to overperform their worth.

Together, we explore:

• 🌱 Soft resets vs. hard resolutions

• ✨ Gentle, attainable intentions rooted in authenticity

• 🔥 How to set goals without burnout or shame

• 🌙 Why cycles of rest are sacred (and necessary)

• 🌈 How queer and disabled communities uniquely approach self-growth

• 💛 What practices help us reconnect with who we already are

Plus, we share grounding rituals, low-pressure practices, and things you can simply stop doing this year, because sometimes the most powerful resolution is to release the stuff that was never yours to carry.

If you're craving a calmer, kinder approach to the New Year, this episode is your warm hug, cup of tea, and soft reset all in one.

🔗 Listen now & follow us everywhere:

Instagram, TikTok, YouTube → @UnpackingTheCloset

www.unpackingthecloset.com

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#newyearsameyou #softreset #gentleresolutions #queerpodcast #lgbtqmentalhealth #chronicillnesspodcast #intuitivegoalsetting #sustainablehabits #newyearintentions #unpackingtheclosetpodcast

Across cultures, across centuries, across pantheons, queer stories have always existed.This week, we’re unpacking the myths history tried to sanitize, erase, or rewrite. From the shapeshifting chaos of Loki to the battle-worn destiny of Shikhandi… from Sappho’s tender lyric longing to the tragic beauty of Hyacinthus… we’re reclaiming the lineages that belong to us.

We also explore the seasonal figures of Santa & Krampus, and talk about myth as identity-making, how queer communities have always found themselves in stories of transformation, defiance, devotion, and becoming.

In this episode we cover:✨ Why mythology is full of genderfluid, queer, and trans-coded figures✨ How colonization & Christianity reshaped ancient stories✨ The queer-coded myths of Norse, Greek, Indian, and Japanese traditions✨ Deep-dive synopses of:

• Loki

• Shikhandi

• Achilles & Patroclus

• Apollo & Hyacinthus

• Sappho

• Dionysus

• Tiresias

• Hermaphroditus

• Orpheus & the Maenads

• The Crane Wife

• Santa & Krampus

Plus: Our Solstice reflections, queer storytelling traditions, and why myths matter—especially during the holiday season.

🔗 Listen now & follow us everywhere: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube → @UnpackingTheCloset

www.unpackingthecloset.com✨

Support bonus episodes & join community rituals on Patreon!

#QueerMythmaking #LGBTQHistory #QueerFolklore #MythologyPodcast #QueerEducation

In today’s Solstice Series episode, we’re diving into Yule, one of the oldest winter traditions celebrated around the world. From Norse fire festivals to Japanese yuzu baths, we explore the global history of the winter solstice and why this season resonates so deeply with queer and chronically-ill communities.

We break down:✨ Pagan origins and ancient Yule rituals✨ Cross-cultural winter celebrations✨ Why the darkest night of the year feels so queer-coded✨ How to build micro-rituals, tiny altars, and moments of joy✨ Simple ways to reconnect with hope, rest, and community!

🔔 Follow us everywhere:

Instagram/TikTok: @unpackingthecloset

YouTube: Unpacking the Closet Podcast

Website: www.unpackingthecloset.com

Join our Patreon community for bonus content, early episodes, and exclusive Solstice Series episodes!

#WinterSolstice #YuleTraditions #QueerJoy #PaganHistory #ChosenFamily