Chosen Family

Chosen family refers to a group of people who form close, family-like bonds by choice rather than through biological or legal relationships. In kink, BDSM, and polyamory, it often includes partners, friends, play partners, and community members. Chosen family refers to a support system built on mutual trust and shared values, rather than blood. These relationships can offer emotional and practical support, especially for people who may not feel like they're accepted or fit into their own families. ### Origins of the Term The idea of chosen family may have emerged in queer and LGBTQ+ communities. As many people faced rejection from biological families, they formed close-knit support networks of friends, partners, and community members. The concept became more visible during the 1980s HIV/AIDS crisis, when chosen families often provided care, housing, and emotional support. The term itself was popularized in academic and community discussions in the 1990s, including work by Kath Weston, whose book "Families We Choose" explored how gay and lesbian communities built alternative networks.