National Chosen Family Day

A diverse group of people wearing matching shirts, holding hands, and smiling in a park setting, showing the spirit of chosen family.. — National chosen family day illustration

Hey there! Are you ready to celebrate National Chosen Family Day? Gather your loved ones, whip up some delicious food, and get ready for a day full of fun and togetherness. Whether you're into sports, rememberance, or simply want to show your appreciation for your chosen family, this is the perfect day to do it!

When is Chosen Family Day?

It's national chosen family day on the 8th February.

The Birth of National Chosen Family Day

Every year on February 8th, we celebrate National Chosen Family Day. This day is all about recognizing and honoring the importance of our chosen family - the people who may not be blood-related, but who hold a special place in our hearts.

The origins of this day can be traced back to the power of the internet and its ability to bring people together. With the rise of social media platforms, people have been able to find and connect with individuals who share common interests, values, and beliefs. These online connections often transform into real-life friendships and relationships that go beyond traditional family ties.

National Chosen Family Day is a time to express gratitude for the love and support we receive from our chosen family, and to strengthen those bonds even further.

Celebrating National Chosen Family Day

There are countless ways to celebrate National Chosen Family Day. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Host a gathering: Invite your chosen family over for a fun-filled day of laughter, good food, and shared memories.
Volunteer together: Spend the day giving back to the community with your chosen family. Whether it's helping out at a local soup kitchen or organizing a charity event, lending a hand together creates lasting bonds.
Share your appreciation: Take the time to let your chosen family know just how much they mean to you. Write heartfelt letters, exchange thoughtful gifts, or simply spend quality time together.

Did You Know?

Did you know that National Chosen Family Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge and support those who may not have traditional family structures? It's a day to celebrate the diversity and strength of chosen families worldwide.

History behind the term 'Chosen Family'

1970

Emergence of the concept

The term 'chosen family' first emerged in the 1970s during the LGBTQ+ rights movement. As members of the queer community faced discrimination and rejection from their biological families, they began to form strong bonds and connections with friends who became their chosen family. These close friendships provided emotional support, love, and a sense of belonging.

1970

The Emergence of the Gay Rights Movement

The term 'chosen family' first gained prominence in the 1970s, amidst the growing gay rights movement in the United States. With the emergence of LGBTQ+ communities and the fight for equality, many gay individuals were rejected or estranged from their biological families due to societal prejudice and discrimination.

1972

The Coining of the Term

The term 'chosen family' was first coined in 1972 by American writer, anthropologist, and gay rights activist, Dr. Franklin E. Kameny. Kameny used the term to describe the idea of creating supportive and loving familial bonds with friends and members of the LGBTQ+ community who were rejected or estranged from their biological families due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

1972

The Start of the Gay Liberation Movement

The origins of the term 'chosen family' can be traced back to the early years of the gay liberation movement in 1972. As LGBTQ+ individuals faced discrimination and rejection from their biological families, they began forming supportive relationships with one another. This informal network of friends and allies became known as 'chosen family,' emphasizing the importance of choosing the people who provide support and unconditional love.

60s

The Emergence of Chosen Family

In the 1960s, amidst the rise of the counterculture movement, the term 'chosen family' began to surface. It originated within LGBTQ+ communities, where individuals sought to create alternative support networks and bonds that went beyond biological or legal relationships. This concept emerged as a response to the lack of acceptance and understanding faced by many LGBTQ+ individuals in their own families.

1970s

Emergence of the concept

During the 1970s, the term 'chosen family' started to gain popularity within the LGBTQ+ community. It referred to a group of people who were not biologically or legally related but were considered as close as family. This notion arose due to the rejection, estrangement, or lack of acceptance many LGBTQ+ individuals faced from their biological families. Chosen family became a way for people to create a support system and find unconditional love and acceptance in their lives.

1970s

Emergence of the LGBTQ+ Community

During the 1970s, the LGBTQ+ community faced widespread discrimination and exclusion from their biological families. In response to this, members of the community began forming close-knit and supportive social circles to create their own sense of belonging. These chosen families provided love, understanding, and acceptance to individuals who were ostracized by their relatives.

1962

The Origins

The term 'chosen family' originated in the LGBTQ+ community as a way to describe close-knit, supportive networks of friends and loved ones. During a time when many LGBTQ+ individuals faced rejection from their biological families, they began to form deep bonds with friends who became their chosen family. These relationships provided a sense of belonging and support, creating a sense of home and security.

1960s

Filling the void with chosen family

During the 1960s, amidst social and political turmoil, the concept of 'chosen family' emerged as a way for individuals to form supportive and meaningful connections outside of traditional blood relationships. This term encapsulates the idea of creating a close-knit network of friends and loved ones that provide a sense of belonging and support in times of need.

1978

The Coining of the Term

The term 'chosen family' was coined in 1978 by anthropologist and sociologist Kath Weston in her book titled 'Families We Choose: Lesbians, Gays, Kinship'. Weston observed the importance of non-biological relationships and the significant role they play in the LGBTQ+ community. She used the term 'chosen family' to describe the close bonds and support networks formed by individuals who may not have strong connections with their biological families.

1960s

Emergence of Chosen Family

During the 1960s, the term 'chosen family' began to emerge as a concept within the LGBTQ+ community. With many individuals being rejected or marginalized by their biological families due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, members of the community started to form their own support systems. These support systems consisted of close friends, partners, and allies who provided the love, acceptance, and sense of belonging that they couldn't find in their biological families. The idea behind chosen family was to build relationships based on mutual support, trust, and understanding.

1985

The AIDS Crisis and Kinship Networks

During the devastating AIDS crisis in the 1980s, 'chosen family' took on even greater significance. Many LGBTQ+ individuals who were ostracized by their biological families found comfort and care within their chosen families. As friends and partners became caretakers for those battling the illness, the concept of chosen family represented a resilient support system that provided love, understanding, and a sense of belonging during a time of immense loss and adversity.

1970s

Solidifying the Concept

In the 1970s, the concept of chosen family continued to solidify within the LGBTQ+ community. As the fight for equality and acceptance gained momentum, the notion of creating intentional families became more prominent. Chosen family offered a safe haven for individuals who felt isolated or estranged from their biological families, providing emotional support, stability, and a sense of belonging. The idea of chosen family resonated deeply with many LGBTQ+ people and played a crucial role in building strong, enduring relationships.

70s

Expanding the Concept

During the 1970s, the idea of chosen family further expanded as more marginalized communities and people facing various difficulties embraced the notion. It became a means of finding belonging, providing emotional support, and establishing a sense of kinship outside of traditional family structures. The concept of chosen family resonated particularly with those who experienced isolation or rejection due to their identities or life circumstances.

1980s

HIV/AIDS crisis

The concept of chosen family gained even more significance during the 1980s with the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Many LGBTQ+ individuals faced rejection and abandonment from their biological families due to the fear and stigma associated with the disease. Chosen family, therefore, played a vital role in providing emotional support, care, and a sense of belonging for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Chosen family members often acted as caregivers, advocates, and companions for one another.

1980

Popularization in queer culture

In the 1980s, the concept of chosen family became increasingly popular within the LGBTQ+ community. This was a result of the AIDS epidemic, which disproportionately affected the gay community. Many individuals lost their partners, friends, and biological family members to the disease. Chosen family became an important source of support and comfort during this difficult time.

1980s

Rise of the AIDS Crisis

During the 1980s, the AIDS crisis devastated many communities, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. As a result, the concept of chosen family became increasingly important. Many individuals with AIDS were rejected by their biological families due to stigma and fear. Chosen family filled the significant gaps in support and care, providing emotional and practical assistance to those affected by the disease.

1980s

Impact of the AIDS Crisis

In the 1980s, the AIDS crisis devastated the LGBTQ+ community, leading to an increased need for chosen families. As individuals faced the loss of their partners and friends, the importance of forming deep bonds with chosen family members became even more evident. Many LGBTQ+ individuals found solace and support within their chosen families, who provided care and emotional connection during this difficult time.

1980s

The LGBTQ+ community and chosen family

In the 1980s, as the LGBTQ+ community faced discrimination and adversity, the concept of chosen family took on added significance. Many LGBTQ+ individuals were estranged from their biological families due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. As a result, they sought solace in communities of like-minded individuals who became their chosen family, offering love, acceptance, and understanding.

1980

The AIDS Crisis and the Rise of Chosen Families

In the 1980s, the devastating AIDS crisis further emphasized the importance of chosen family. As the epidemic swept through LGBTQ+ communities, many individuals found themselves losing countless friends and partners. In this period of tremendous loss and fear, chosen families provided support, care, and love to those affected, creating a sense of belonging and solidarity.

1987

Popularization and Embracement

Throughout the 1980s, the term 'chosen family' became more widely used within the LGBTQ+ community. With the rise of the AIDS epidemic, many individuals found solace and support in forming alternative family structures with friends and partners. The concept of chosen family represented a way to build emotional connections, provide care, and create a sense of belonging in the face of adversity.

1979

Reflections in Media

As LGBTQ+ individuals navigated the challenges of societal discrimination and the fear of coming out, the concept of chosen family gained visibility in media. Films and TV shows, such as 'Paris is Burning' (1990), showcased the unique dynamics and love within chosen families. These portrayals helped to highlight the resilience and strength of individuals who found solace in their chosen families.

1990s

Community Empowerment

In the 1990s, the term 'chosen family' gained widespread recognition within the LGBTQ+ community and became an important part of activism and advocacy. LGBTQ+ organizations embraced the concept, emphasizing the significance of chosen family in providing support, protection, and affirmation for individuals facing societal rejection. Chosen family became a cornerstone of community empowerment, fostering resilience and unity.

1995

Recognition and Cultural Adoption

In the mid-1990s, the term 'chosen family' began to gain mainstream recognition and cultural adoption. It resonated not only with LGBTQ+ individuals but also with people from various backgrounds who sought to redefine the traditional notion of family. The concept highlighted the ability to create deep, nurturing bonds with people who may not be blood-related but nonetheless play significant roles in one's life. Chosen family came to symbolize the power of intentional relationships based on love, acceptance, and mutual support.

1990

Inclusion in mainstream culture

By the 1990s, the term 'chosen family' started to gain recognition and acceptance in mainstream culture. It was embraced by not only the LGBTQ+ community but also by people looking to redefine the traditional concept of family. Chosen family became a way to acknowledge and celebrate the relationships built on love, support, and mutual care that extended beyond blood ties.

1990s

Popularization and Cultural Influence

By the 1990s, the term 'chosen family' had gained significant popularity and started to permeate mainstream culture beyond the LGBTQ+ community. It became a way for people from various backgrounds to describe their close-knit social circles that extended beyond blood ties. Chosen family represented a departure from the traditional notion of family solely based on biological relationships, emphasizing the importance of deep connections formed through shared experiences, love, and support. This concept reshaped societal understanding of family and reinforced the idea that family bonds can be cultivated and chosen, rather than solely inherited.

80s

Solidifying Community Bonds

In the 1980s, the AIDS epidemic ravaged the LGBTQ+ community, leading to widespread illness and loss. Chosen family took on even greater significance during this period, as many individuals turned to their non-biological connections for care, support, and chosen familial bonds. Friendships and relationships forged within this context often played crucial roles in providing emotional and physical assistance to those affected by the epidemic.

1990

Representation in Media

The 1990s marked a significant period for the recognition of chosen family in popular culture. Television shows, such as 'Queer as Folk' and 'Will & Grace,' portrayed the dynamics of chosen families, highlighting the importance of these non-traditional support systems. These depictions helped to normalize the concept and broaden its understanding among a wider audience.

1990s

Legal barriers

In the 1990s, legal barriers such as same-sex marriage bans and limited legal recognition of LGBTQ+ relationships persisted in many parts of the world. This further emphasized the importance of chosen family as a recognized and valued form of support and companionship. Chosen family members often provided legal protection, made medical decisions, and created shared financial responsibilities to navigate the lack of legal recognition.

1990s

Chosen family in popular culture

The term 'chosen family' gained recognition in popular culture during the 1990s. It was frequently depicted in literature, films, and TV shows, highlighting the importance of building personal support networks beyond biological connections. This representation helped normalize the idea of chosen family and contributed to its increased acceptance and understanding.

1990

Queer Theory and the Exploration of Non-Biological Families

During the 1990s, the rise of queer theory and academic discourse on LGBTQ+ experiences further contributed to the emergence of the term 'chosen family.' Scholars and activists began to explore the ways in which non-biological relationships and connections formed crucial bonds within the queer community. This period marked a deeper understanding of chosen families as a conscious decision to construct familial networks based on love, affinity, and shared experiences.

1990s

Recognition and Validation

During the 1990s, the concept of chosen family gained recognition and validation within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Movies, literature, and television shows began to depict the deep bonds and support networks formed by chosen families. The term 'chosen family' itself gained prominence as a way to describe these non-biological, but equally meaningful, relationships.

1990

Legal Recognition

In 1990, Nancy Polikoff, a professor and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, introduced the term 'family of choice' as a legal concept. She argued that non-biological relationships should be recognized and protected under the law, giving chosen families legal rights similar to traditional families. This concept paved the way for legal recognition of chosen families and played a vital role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights.

2015

Legal Recognition and LGBTQ+ Rights

In 2015, the United States Supreme Court recognized same-sex marriage as a constitutional right. This landmark decision marked a significant step towards legal recognition and protection of chosen family relationships. It provided LGBTQ+ individuals and couples with the ability to form legally recognized families, further validating the importance of chosen family bonds.

Present Day

Continued Relevance and Appreciation

In the present day, the idea of chosen family remains a significant and relevant concept, transcending cultural, ethnic, and sexual boundaries. It is celebrated as a testament to the power of human connection and the ability to build meaningful relationships beyond traditional family structures. Numerous support networks, organizations, and community spaces have emerged, acknowledging and fostering the importance of chosen family in the lives of many individuals. Chosen family has become an enduring symbol of resilience, acceptance, and love, reminding us that family is not solely determined by blood, but by the people we choose to surround ourselves with.

2004

Legal Recognition

Recognizing the importance of chosen family, some jurisdictions began to extend legal recognition and protections to non-biological relationships. For example, in 2004, the city of San Francisco established a 'domestic partnership in conflict' option, allowing individuals to register their chosen family relationships officially. This move aimed to address gaps in legal rights and ensure chosen families had legal recognition and access to essential benefits.

2010

Chosen Family in Popular Culture

Over the years, the idea of chosen family has become a recurring theme in popular culture. In TV shows, movies, and literature, narratives often explore the diverse forms of family beyond biology. Characters and storylines depict the strength and resilience found in chosen families, showcasing the importance of fostering connections with people who provide love, understanding, and unwavering support. The representation of chosen family in popular culture has further normalized and validated the concept, reinforcing its significance in people's lives.

90s

Recognizing Legal Barriers

In the 1990s, as the fight for LGBTQ+ rights gained momentum, the legal barriers faced by chosen families became more apparent. Many faced challenges in areas such as inheritance, healthcare decision-making, adoption, and visitation rights. This led to discussions around legal recognition and the need for societal acknowledgment of chosen families, highlighting the importance of legal protections for these non-traditional relationships.

2000s

Legal Recognition and Cultural Acceptance

In the 2000s, there was significant progress towards legal recognition and cultural acceptance of chosen families. Many countries introduced laws that recognized the rights and benefits of chosen family members, such as granting visitation rights in hospitals and inheritance rights. The concept of chosen family also became more widely understood and accepted as an integral part of LGBTQ+ culture, as well as being embraced by individuals from various backgrounds who valued the idea of creating supportive and inclusive social networks.

2000s

Expanding the concept of chosen family

In the 2000s, the concept of chosen family expanded beyond the LGBTQ+ community and gained wider relevance. People began embracing the idea that family bonds can be formed through mutual care, shared experiences, and chosen obligations, rather than solely through blood relations. Chosen family came to encompass individuals from various backgrounds, including those seeking refuge from traditional family structures or desiring a sense of belonging.

2000s

Popularization and Mainstream Acceptance

Throughout the 2000s, the term 'chosen family' gained more popularity and acceptance in mainstream society. It became widely used not only within LGBTQ+ communities but also in broader contexts. The idea of chosen family resonated with many individuals who sought to create close-knit networks of friends and supporters, embracing the concept of family beyond biological ties.

2000

Representation in media

Throughout the 2000s, chosen family started to be depicted more prominently in various forms of media. Films, television shows, and literature began exploring the idea of non-traditional families and highlighting the importance of chosen family. This representation helped to normalize and validate the experiences of those who found comfort and support in their non-biological relationships.

2000

Mainstream Recognition and Popularity of the Term

As LGBTQ+ visibility increased in the early 2000s, the concept of chosen family gained mainstream recognition. It resonated not only with queer individuals but also with people of diverse backgrounds who had forged deep connections outside of their biological families. The term began to appear more frequently in popular media, literature, and discussions surrounding unconventional family structures and the need for acceptance and support outside of traditional norms.

2000s

Mainstream recognition

As societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights evolved and progress was made in the fight for equality, the concept of chosen family began to gain mainstream recognition in the 2000s. It became more widely understood and accepted that family bonds could extend beyond biology and legal ties. Popular media and cultural representations increasingly portrayed chosen family as a legitimate and affirming form of relationship, further reinforcing its significance.

Present

Continued Relevance and Cultural Impact

Today, the term 'chosen family' continues to hold deep significance for many people. It reflects the evolving nature of family structures and challenges traditional definitions of family. Chosen family emphasizes the importance of intentional relationships and the power of communities built on love, trust, and shared experiences. It has become a symbol of support, resilience, and inclusivity, resonating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities.

Present Day

Continued Relevance and Growth

Today, the term 'chosen family' continues to hold a powerful meaning within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. It emphasizes the importance of creating supportive networks, building strong emotional bonds, and finding love and acceptance beyond biological ties. Chosen families serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength of marginalized communities, forging new paths of connection and belonging.

Present day

Chosen family as a celebration of love and support

Today, the term 'chosen family' continues to be embraced globally. It emphasizes the powerful role of intentional relationships in providing love, support, and acceptance. Chosen family celebrates the belief that individuals have the agency to choose those with whom they share a deep emotional connection, creating a sense of belonging and security. It remains a testament to the resilience and strength of human relationships beyond biological kinship.

2000s

Cultural Acceptance and Beyond

In the 2000s, as LGBTQ+ rights advocacy continued, the concept of chosen family gained broader cultural acceptance. It was increasingly recognized and celebrated within and beyond LGBTQ+ communities as a valid and significant form of kinship. Chosen family has also resonated with people across various backgrounds, reflecting the universal human desire for connection and support, irrespective of biological ties.

Present Day

Embracing Diversity

The term 'chosen family' has now transcended its roots in the LGBTQ+ community and has been embraced by people from various backgrounds. It represents the idea that the bonds of love, support, and belonging can extend beyond blood relations. Chosen family recognizes the importance of intentional relationships and celebrates diverse forms of family structures. It continues to evolve and shape our understanding of what it means to find family in the people we choose.

Present

Continued importance

In the present day, the concept of chosen family remains integral to the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. It provides a means for individuals to create a supportive network of people who offer love, understanding, and acceptance. Chosen family can be particularly meaningful for those who continue to face rejection or lack of understanding from their biological or legal families. It represents the capacity for individuals to choose their own path and create meaningful connections based on love and shared experiences.

Present

Continued relevance and acceptance

Today, the concept of chosen family continues to be recognized and celebrated. It has become an integral part of LGBTQ+ culture, creating spaces where individuals can find love, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. Chosen family reminds us that family is not solely defined by genetics, but by the profound connections we cultivate with the people we choose to love and surround ourselves with.