Great article, thanks for sharing! I think some import context is the decline of other social institutions -- unions, churches, societies/fraternities, and now for some, workplaces. We have fewer places where we are consistently exposed to the same people, and fewer institutions providing the social scaffolding that families can also provide. This might contribute to loneliness, and make "chosen families" harder to achieve.
Well said and definitely food for thought. I have a foot in both worlds, and was a part of the nuclear family. My husband and self, two sons. My husband has passed after nearly 40byrs of marriage. My parents are gone. One son is gone. My sisters live 2.5 hours away. My chosen family/ friends have helped me to survive. To open up to trusting others, and learning how to live "solo"
Thought-provoking article, for sure. While I can only speak second-hand about LBTGQ experiences, as a Misfit Toy, I bonded early on in life with other misfits.
There will never be a substitute for my parents, but I have two "chosen" brothers who I'm much closer to than my one "nuclear" brother. We've not lived close to each other for 20+ years but I chat with them daily, talk with them regularly, and we've never been far away during major life events.
The most important thing is being able to choose which way you go, and so far I'm happy with my choices.
Great article! We have a trans daughter. It is easy for the younger generations then ours; we are in our 50’s and grandparents really struggle. Both of our kids have ALWAYS BEEN TOLD, we love you no matter what and your job as our child is to grow up and become a contributing member of society. They each separately added this too English and ir college papers over the years. Thank you for being you!
Great article, thanks for sharing! I think some import context is the decline of other social institutions -- unions, churches, societies/fraternities, and now for some, workplaces. We have fewer places where we are consistently exposed to the same people, and fewer institutions providing the social scaffolding that families can also provide. This might contribute to loneliness, and make "chosen families" harder to achieve.
Well said and definitely food for thought. I have a foot in both worlds, and was a part of the nuclear family. My husband and self, two sons. My husband has passed after nearly 40byrs of marriage. My parents are gone. One son is gone. My sisters live 2.5 hours away. My chosen family/ friends have helped me to survive. To open up to trusting others, and learning how to live "solo"
Thought-provoking article, for sure. While I can only speak second-hand about LBTGQ experiences, as a Misfit Toy, I bonded early on in life with other misfits.
There will never be a substitute for my parents, but I have two "chosen" brothers who I'm much closer to than my one "nuclear" brother. We've not lived close to each other for 20+ years but I chat with them daily, talk with them regularly, and we've never been far away during major life events.
The most important thing is being able to choose which way you go, and so far I'm happy with my choices.
Outstanding You don't truly understand your own country/family/home until you leave them. Cordially, Bill
Great article! We have a trans daughter. It is easy for the younger generations then ours; we are in our 50’s and grandparents really struggle. Both of our kids have ALWAYS BEEN TOLD, we love you no matter what and your job as our child is to grow up and become a contributing member of society. They each separately added this too English and ir college papers over the years. Thank you for being you!