LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus all non-binary gender identities. Family is traditionally defined as a group of people related to each other through blood, marriage, or adoption.
Family can also be created outside these conventional definitions, often referred to as "chosen" or "intentional." This essay explores how chosen families within LGBTQ+ communities redefine social norms, care practices, and intergenerational responsibilities.
Social Norms:
Traditionally, nuclear families are seen as the ideal model for raising children, consisting of a mother, father, and their biological children living under one roof. Chosen families challenge this norm by blurring gender roles and expanding the definition of what constitutes a family. Non-biological parents may assume primary parental responsibility, providing emotional support and guidance to children who may lack traditional parental figures. This can lead to new ways of thinking about gender roles and expectations in society.
Care Practices:
Chosen families prioritize care work differently than traditional families.
Care work may be shared among members of the community, with no designated role assigned based on gender. This can challenge societal assumptions that women should take on most domestic duties.
Chosen families may have unique healthcare needs, such as finding doctors who understand transgender individuals' medical needs. These challenges necessitate creative solutions to ensure everyone receives adequate care.
Intergenerational Responsibilities:
Many traditional families pass down cultural traditions from one generation to the next, but LGBTQ+ chosen families must navigate complex issues around inheritance, legacy, and aging without traditional structures.
Older generations may struggle with accepting their child's sexuality or identity, leading to strained relationships between relatives.
Some families create support networks across multiple generations, forming a sense of belonging outside of bloodlines.
How do chosen families within LGBTQ+ communities redefine social norms, care practices, and intergenerational responsibilities?
Chosen families within LGBTQ+ communities have been challenging traditional family structures by redefining what it means to be a family, who is included in that definition, and how they care for one another. These families often rely on each other for emotional support, financial aid, and caregiving when needed, as well as creating their own community networks.