”This is really close, the way we all are” : A queer phenomenological study of chosenfamilies in Belgium

Abstract: This study explores chosen families within the queer community in Belgium. Chosen families and their dynamics are not well understood because they do not follow the heteronormative way of forming a family. The aim is to see how queer individuals understand and construct their families. It is important to show how people outside of the heteronormative system care for each other because they don’t fit in to the norms that are upheld in society. Five people were interviewed, and the resulting transcripts were analyzed using queer phenomenology and thematic analysis. The material showed that there are different ways of constructing a queer family, and that there are certain objects and places that support this process. It also shows how the participants care for their families by sanctioning some heteronormative practices, such as marriage and caring for “kids”. These findings provide us with insight into how families can be created in unique ways, and how people care for others by challenging the norms of what it means to be in a family.