All Pride, No Ego

4Find and Embrace All Your Families, Especially the Ones You Choose

We are all born into some kind of family structure, and all have relative degrees of functionality, success, and challenges. No family is perfect, despite all outward appearances and social media posts. I am a firm believer in the effects of birth order, and in both nature and nurture helping to form us as human beings. I have seen all kinds of family‐type units around the world, and I am convinced that finding your chosen family is one of the keys to stability and happiness in your life. I also think your chosen family has more impact on your professional life than your natural family in many ways.

For many marginalized groups, their only choice for support and community is to build or find a chosen family. There are too many examples of people in our community who have been disowned by their family when they embrace their story. Embracing their authenticity may cause immense ruptures with their parents, siblings, and extended relatives. The chosen family steps in to give safety, understanding, and unconditional love. I am sure many people have naturally formed these circles of support without putting a name like “chosen family” on the group. Many people may not even consciously search out this level of friendship and support, but I feel it is vital, especially in this challenging world.

Building and finding your community, your tribe, your trust circle, your BFFs is different for everyone, but you know who ...