Five Paths To Chosen Family In The LGBTQ+ Community
Finding chosen family in the LGBTQ+ community is more essential than ever. With Desantis and other senators targeting our family, we have to come together stronger than ever. How can we find that community? Especially in a pandemic, it can seem harder than ever. Here are five ways to get that community and chosen family we all so deserve.
1. Attend Zoom Groups/Virtual Chat Groups
Sure, it may not be the same as meeting in person, but with most support groups going virtual it certainly does help. Just texting or chatting online with like-minded people can be literally life-saving. Apps like Discord and Geneva are especially great for finding special interests such as book clubs, or pop-culture fan rooms. No matter what you do, technology is your friend here and can connect you to more people than ever.
2. Attend Coffee Events or Walks
Many queer or trans groups as it gets warmer out have outdoor walks, happy hours, or coffee meetups. Just make sure to follow them on Facebook or another app so you can stay in the loop about these events. Even having a friend to remind you or invite you to events is so helpful.
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3. Don’t Be Afraid To Reach Out
Sometimes the best way to meet people is to start a conversation. Message them on Facebook or Instagram. It may be scary at first, but it does help. Sometimes dating apps surprisingly are a great way to meet friends. You never know until you get out there.
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4. Attend Pride Marches or Events
Yes, you will certainly meet queer or trans people at Pride month events. Most major cities though such as Philly, or New York have social events for the LGBTQ+ community that are year-round. Even your local gay bar, or bookstore. I have even seen some restaurants hold queer-friendly gatherings or mixers. Again, just make sure to stay in the loop so you hear about these events.
5. Wear Pride Colors or Buttons
This may sound silly, but sometimes even wearing Pride shirts or pronoun buttons will attract people too. You may never know when a community comes your way. It is kind of magical actually. So don’t be afraid to don your gay apparel (literally), you never know what may strike from it.
In these isolating winter seasons, the community is more important than ever. It is what gets us going, and keeps us motivated day by day. So whether it is virtually, or in person show your pride, and find your chosen family. It is easier said than done, but hopefully, these tips can help you get started and provide some hope or motivation.
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Meet The Writer!
Hello ! I’m Joan Rittberg. I am a freelance writer and a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Some publications I write and have written for include Medium, The Pennsylvania Equality Project, and Queers for a Cause. I was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. I graduated from Millersville University with a B.A. in Communications with a Concentration in Theatre. My writing is focused on the LGBTQ+ Community and Pop Culture. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn.
