Chosen family - meaning and definition
Alsofound familyfamily of choicelogical family
Definition
Close friends and community members who take on the role of family, often especially important for LGBTQ+ people.
At a glance
- Friends and community who function as family.
- Especially important for many LGBTQ+ people.
- Can coexist with a person's family of origin.
- Has deep roots in LGBTQ+ history and community care.
In detail
Chosen family can offer the love, practical support and sense of belonging that people might not find in their family of origin, for example after rejection for coming out. It can sit alongside biological or legal family rather than replacing it.
The idea has deep roots in LGBTQ+ history, including ballroom culture and community care during the AIDS crisis. Many people of any orientation now use the term for the friends they consider family.
In a sentence
- We spend every holiday with our chosen family.
- My chosen family came to my top surgery appointment with me.
Common questions
What is the difference between chosen family and friends?
Chosen family usually means the friends you rely on as you would on family: for care, celebrations, emergencies and long-term commitment.