Heartwarming Portrayals of Found Family for Orphaned Queer Characters

The idea of ‘found family’ appears often in LGBTQ+ stories because it mirrors the experiences of many queer people. When birth families or society aren’t supportive, queer individuals frequently build their own close-knit communities based on shared beliefs and caring for one another. This is especially important for characters who grow up without parents, as they learn to create their own sense of belonging. These stories highlight the strength of people and the ability to define ‘home’ for themselves.

‘Pose’ (2018–2021)

In 1980s New York City, Blanca Rodriguez found out she had HIV and decided to create a chosen family, known as the House of Evangelista. She welcomed young LGBTQ+ people, like Damon and Angel, who had been rejected by their families or were facing homelessness. The House offered a safe and supportive environment where they could pursue their goals and be themselves. This story highlights that family isn’t always about blood relations, but about the bonds formed through shared experiences and unwavering support.

‘The Fosters’ (2013–2018)

As a total film buff, I was really moved by this story. It centers around Jude, a young boy who, along with his sister, ends up in foster care after a really tough time. Eventually, he’s lucky enough to find a permanent home with a loving lesbian couple, and it’s beautiful to watch him grow and come to terms with who he is – he realizes he’s gay, and they support him every step of the way. What really struck me is how much the series emphasizes how vital stable, supportive parents are for LGBTQ+ kids who’ve already dealt with so much instability. It’s a powerful reminder that a loving family can give an orphaned child the confidence to truly be themselves.

‘Warrior Nun’ (2020–2022)

Ava Silva grew up as an orphan in a strict Catholic orphanage. After being brought back to life by a powerful artifact, she becomes the Warrior Nun and finds a new family in a group of fellow warrior sisters. As she adjusts to her new life, Ava also develops romantic feelings for Sister Beatrice, adding a heartwarming queer storyline to her search for belonging. The Order of the Cruciform Sword provides Ava with the acceptance and community she always longed for.

‘Batwoman’ (2019–2022)

Ryan Wilder, who grew up as a foster child and orphan, steps into the role of Batwoman to defend Gotham City. Having often been ignored by institutions, she’s driven to create a strong support network with people like Mary Hamilton and Luke Fox. As an openly gay woman, Ryan finds her power in the bonds she forms with her close-knit, chosen family. Her story shows how people who have faced hardship can find meaning by helping others and building connections within their community.

‘She-Ra and the Princesses of Power’ (2018–2020)

Adora grew up as an orphan, raised by the evil Horde. After discovering a powerful, magical sword, she switches sides and joins the Rebellion. She finds a true sense of family with the Princess Alliance and develops a strong emotional bond with her longtime rival, Catra. The show follows Adora as she learns to trust others and understand her own value, independent of what she can do. This idea of a chosen family is key to the show’s themes of forgiveness and loving relationships of all kinds.

‘Shadowhunters’ (2016–2019)

Magnus Bane is a warlock who has lived for centuries. He experienced a difficult childhood, losing his mother and being abandoned by his father. Over time, he’s created a strong community of friends and others who understand his world, providing him with support. His relationship with Alec Lightwood gives him the loving and stable home life he’s never known. Magnus frequently guides and supports younger LGBTQ+ supernatural beings who have been ostracized by their own communities, often acting as a father figure to them.

‘Dead Boy Detectives’ (2024)

Edwin Paine was a ghost for many years, trapped in Hell until he escaped to investigate supernatural mysteries alongside his close friend, Charles. Killed while at boarding school and with no family to remember him, Edwin finds comfort in his bond with Charles and their psychic friend, Crystal. Together, they form a close team, dealing with both paranormal dangers and their own personal struggles. Through this unique found family, Edwin ultimately accepts his romantic feelings for Charles.

‘It’s a Sin’ (2021)

Roscoe Babatunde leaves his strict religious upbringing and builds a chosen family with a group of friends in London. They share a flat nicknamed the Pink Palace, offering each other vital love and support during the AIDS crisis. For characters cut off from their original families, this close-knit group becomes their main source of care, demonstrating that the bonds of chosen family can be even stronger and longer-lasting than those of blood relatives.

‘Rent’ (2005)

This musical tells the story of a group of artists living in New York City during the AIDS epidemic. They lean on each other like family as they navigate poverty, prejudice, and the devastating impact of the disease. Characters like Angel and Collins find love and support within their close-knit group, creating a vibrant community that celebrates life, art, and strength in the face of hardship.

‘Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts’ (2020)

Benson is a gay man living in a world after a disaster, where dangerous, mutated creatures roam. He teams up with Kipo and Wolf, and together they form a close-knit group that feels like family. Being accepted by his friends gives Benson strength and confidence in who he is. Their story shows how working together and protecting each other can create incredibly strong bonds, even when things are really tough.

‘Our Flag Means Death’ (2022–2023)

Jim is a non-binary pirate with a complicated past – they were raised by a nun and are driven by a desire to avenge their family. They unexpectedly find a sense of belonging on the ship Revenge, led by Stede Bonnet and Blackbeard. The crew, a group of misfits themselves, welcomes Jim wholeheartedly, offering acceptance and understanding. This supportive environment allows Jim to experience both love and a newfound peace, despite the violence that has shaped their life.

‘The Umbrella Academy’ (2019–2024)

Klaus and Viktor are adopted brothers who share a unique past: they were both born to mothers who didn’t appear to be pregnant. Having grown up as emotionally neglected orphans, they depend on each other as they discover and learn to control their superpowers and figure out who they are. Klaus, who is openly gay, finds belonging with his siblings despite their difficult childhood. Viktor later transitions with the loving support of his family, highlighting the importance of acceptance. Their story demonstrates how people can rebuild their identities and find strength through genuine connection and understanding.

‘Paris Is Burning’ (1990)

This documentary dives into the vibrant and hidden world of New York City’s ballroom scene in the late 1980s. It focuses on ‘Houses,’ which became chosen families for many young LGBTQ+ people who had been rejected by their biological families. These Houses, led by supportive ‘mothers,’ offered guidance, resources, and a space to prepare for competitions. The film shows how these communities provided a crucial sense of belonging and self-respect for those who faced marginalization.

‘The 100’ (2014–2020)

Clarke Griffin is a bisexual leader tasked with helping a group of young people survive on a dangerous, post-apocalyptic Earth. After losing her parents, she depends heavily on her friends for both practical support and emotional connection. Their strong bond is constantly challenged by outside dangers and difficult choices. Clarke’s story showcases the resilience of LGBTQ+ characters as they work to create a new society built on trust and affection.

‘Moonlight’ (2016)

Chiron is a young, queer man coming of age in Miami, facing a challenging upbringing. He finds a father figure in Juan, who provides the support and guidance Chiron doesn’t receive from his mother. Along with Juan’s partner, Teresa, they offer Chiron a safe and loving home. This demonstrates the profound impact that chosen family can have on someone’s life, offering stability and acceptance.

Please share your thoughts on these found families in the comments.

2026-01-26 01:50