Families come in all different shapes and sizes
Family building
Family means different things to different people. Often, people hear the term ‘family’ and think of being biologically related. But, actually, there are many other familial connections that are valuable and important.
Here are a couple of definitions of other types of families which exist:
Chosen family - This is a group of individuals who are not biologically or legally related but choose one another to play significant roles in each other’s lives. One definition of ‘chosen’ or ‘found’ family is a group of people who are emotionally close and consider each other as family.
Blended family - This might be when one single parent starts a relationship or marries another single parent and they live together with their children from their previous relationships.
When teaching about families it’s important that people know:
Families come in all shapes and sizes - there are so many configurations and that’s great! Some families consist of adults without children and some families have children and young people.
All families have their issues and disagreements. It’s normal to navigate conflict within a family, and each family goes through their ups and downs.
Chosen family is just as valid and important as biological family in providing support, care and a sense of safety.
People deserve to feel accepted and supported by their families. If your family are causing feelings of distress or harm there are people you can speak to to seek support (Childline, Samaritans).
Each person within a family has their own emotional life, identities and relationship to the world around them. It’s important to communicate and respect boundaries as we can’t predict someone else’s needs.
As we approach Pride month we want to spotlight some resources for LGBTQIA+ family building stories and support.
Routes to parenthood:
There are many journeys to making a baby! We love the book Making a Baby for talking to young people about different ways to build families. It’s an inclusive guide that covers sex, sperm and egg donation, IUI, IVF, surrogacy and adoption, as well as explaining how a baby grows in the uterus and about different kinds of births.
Queer conception stories - A wealth of stories about how people have created their families.
Trans fertility Co. - A platform that shares lots of informations for trans folks navigating fertility.
Routes to parenthood - An amazing resource from LGBT Mummies that explores different family models, conception, fostering and adoption.
Pregnancy:
Neutral-ish pregnancy clothes - A collection of less gendered clothing.
Trans & Gestating Support Group Moss the Doula - If you’re trans and your family is expecting a baby (or is postpartum or TTC) this is a great group to check out.
Finding an LGBTQIA+ affirming doula - An expansive directory of Queer birthworkers across the world
LGBT Mummies Pregnancy Support Group - A great way to access peer support online.
Birth + Postpartum:
Inclusive Hypnobirthing classes - Interactive birth preparation classes for all birthing people.
Why Did No One Tell Me This - This guide explores questions around pregnancy, birth and postpartum. A great book for expectant parents looking to learn about birth through a reflective lens.
Birthing and Breast or Chestfeeding Trans People and Allies - A facebook peer support group for people on their birth and feeding journeys
Other considerations:
LGBT+ Law resources - Covering some of the information around legality
Wellbeing:
Journaling during pregnancy - This is a lovely way to reflect during a big life transition.
Transomatics - We love these gentle movement practices.
Prenatal yoga - JB offers a great range of prerecorded yoga classes.
Podcasts:
Some families - This is a podcast dedicated to celebrating LGBTQIA+ families.
The intersectional fertility podcast - A place for intersectional conversations around fertility.
Community building + chosen family:
The importance of found families for lgbtq youth, especially in a crisis - An article exploring chosen family.
