Families of Choice

Families of choice are groups of individuals who intentionally choose to support and care for one another, often in place of or in addition to biological family. This concept is especially important in LGBTQ+ communities, where individuals may face rejection from their families of origin.

Features

• Provide emotional, practical, and sometimes financial support
• May lack legal recognition, leading to challenges in healthcare, education, or legal matters
• Can help individuals cope with breakups, loss, or family estrangement

Additionally, members of these intentional groups often engage in various forms of identity expression, including Body Modification, such as tattoos or piercings that affirm belonging within the group.

Importance

Families of choice offer a crucial sense of community and acceptance for individuals who may have experienced rejection or marginalization elsewhere. They provide vital support networks that enhance resilience, foster positive identity development, and significantly contribute to mental health and well-being through shared experiences and mutual understanding. These families can play an important role in helping members navigate non-traditional transitions and explorations of self-identity, including those involving Body Modification as part of gender affirmation or personal expression.

References

See also:

• Family Dynamics
• Emotional Intimacy
• Breakups