Sexual Minority Families of Choice and Family Networks: We Are Family

In the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community, the concept of family has different meanings. Historically the right to form a traditional family (e.g., two parents and children) with associated legal rights and protections has not been an option for LGBTQ couples. In the absence of formal family arrangements, LGBTQ individuals have created their own family and community structures. Yet, over time, steps have been taken to create and legitimize family rights for LGBTQ people, and as social and political attitudes and norms have changed and laws and policies followed suit, so has the ability of LGBTQ individuals to form legally recognized family structures.