What is a chosen queer family?
A chosen queer family consists of individuals who identify themselves with nontraditional genders and sexual orientations, creating their own support networks outside of traditional nuclear families or heteronormative partnerships. These groups can range from small to large, and may include members that are biologically related or adopted, friends, co-workers, roommates, or acquaintances.
Why does choosing a queer family matter?
The choice of a queer family challenges societal norms regarding gender, sexual orientation, and relationships. It rejects binary views of love, marriage, family, and kinship, promoting diverse definitions of these concepts and expanding the possibilities for personal fulfillment. It also disrupts heteronormativity, which is defined as the assumption that everyone is either straight or cisgendered (identifies with the sex assigned at birth) and should follow traditional gender roles and expectations. This can lead to more acceptance and equality for all people regardless of identity.
How do chosen queer families impact relational infrastructures beyond normativity?
Chosen queer families create alternative ways of living that push against societal expectations. They challenge power dynamics by redefining hierarchies and responsibilities within a group, allowing each member to be valued based on their contributions rather than their assumed role in society. These families often prioritize shared decision making and consensus building, fostering collaboration instead of top-down leadership. By breaking down barriers between identities, they can promote understanding and respect for different lived experiences.
Designing communities of care, dissent, and radical hospitality for the future
To design communities of care, dissent, and radical hospitality for the future, we must examine the values and practices of chosen queer families. We can learn from their ability to challenge and change social structures while creating meaningful connections. We can use this knowledge to build organizations, policies, and systems that value diversity, equity, and inclusion. In doing so, we can work towards a more just world where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.
What does chosen queer family tell us about relational infrastructures beyond normativity—how do we design communities of care, dissent and radical hospitality for the future?
The concept of chosen family represents an important aspect of modern society's growing emphasis on nontraditional relationship structures that deviates from traditional gender roles and social norms. Chosen families are formed when people who may not be related by blood decide to create their own familial ties based on shared values, interests, and support systems.