Should I Sever Connections With My Family?
I've never posted anything like this before, but I'm reaching a point in my life where I'm feeling lost. I'm considering cutting ties with my family for various reasons, although part of me is hesitant due to certain concerns. I'm 21 years old and nonbinary (assigned female at birth). I've been out for four years, with almost everyone in my life knowing, except for my immediate family, apart from a few cousins I feel comfortable with. I've lived with my partner for three years, which has helped create some distance from my family. While I've gained some independence, it often feels like they still shadow me. For context, my family holds very right-wing views and supports Trump, which is their choice, but it crosses a line when their beliefs veer into racism and transphobia. We're Mexican American, with my father being an immigrant, yet they hold these problematic views. I understand their mindset, but it feels morally wrong to me, making it difficult to be around them. I can only brush off their comments as "just opinions" for so long before it becomes exhausting. I know that if I were to fully express my true self, they would dislike me and never grasp who I really am. I also have an older sister (27) who has a child. While I care for her and empathize with her situation, I fear she's been heavily influenced by our parents' political ideologies. I try to share my views with her, but she often dismisses me, claiming I lack life experience. Ironically, she frequently reaches out to me for assistance, whether it's financial help or rides to work, as her husband has taken her car and they haven't bought a new one. To provide some background: my brother-in-law's car broke down and borrowed my sister's car. Subsequently, my grandmother gave her a vehicle to use. However, when my brother-in-law's car was stolen, he started using the one from my grandmother again. They did receive insurance money for the stolen car, which I suspect was used for their son’s second birthday party rather than getting another car. I understand wanting to provide a joyful experience for their child, but their priorities seem misaligned. Additionally, my sister often asks me for rides to work while I'm busy with school or work myself. When I say no, I can sense her annoyance through her sarcastic replies. For example, one time she spammed me with texts while I was in class, calling me when I didn’t respond. I sent an automated message asking her to call later, to which she replied with, “Ok. Enjoy your day,” clearly frustrated with me. I can feel her attempts to make me feel guilty. There was another incident when I sent her a picture of my card so she could use it for Instacart, as she couldn’t go out due to not having a car or money. I was fine with this, wanting to help, especially for my nephew. However, a few weeks later, I noticed nearly $185 missing from my account. After panicking and locking my card, I discovered that she had used it without asking, thinking I wouldn’t mind and would pay me back. In the end, she only reimbursed me half of what she took. Returning to my parents, I know many people suggest that communicating with them could lead to understanding. While that’s possible, I’m genuinely terrified of them. Growing up in an unsafe environment, I was subjected to physical punishment, which made me submissive and non-confrontational. I learned to keep to myself and obey to avoid negative consequences. My younger brother is now 13, and though things have shifted from physical to verbal punishment, the environment is still unhealthy. He seems to be well-adjusted, likely due to the supportive friends he’s made. While I'm happy for him, I still worry and feel a conflict within myself. I recognize that cutting contact with my family could be beneficial for me, but I don’t want to abandon my brother. I sense that he may be part of the LGBTQ+ community, given subtle hints and behaviors I've observed. I fear that leaving would isolate him, yet I don’t know how much longer I can continue pretending to be someone I’m not. I wish I could take him out of that environment, but my partner and I lack the financial means, space, or maturity to care for a teenager. I'm truly at a crossroads and unsure of what to do next. Any advice?