A Workshop for Navigating Nontraditional Family Systems
Building and sustaining the resilient, joyful queer relationships that become our home.
Overview
For many LGBTQ+ individuals, chosen family is the primary source of support—yet few resources exist for navigating the unique challenges these relationships face. This workshop provides a culturally competent toolkit for building and maintaining chosen family. Participants map their relational networks, learn a simple framework for communicating needs, practice transforming charged statements into clear requests, and develop skills for conflict and repair. Through scenario practice and guided reflection, participants leave with personalized care plans for the relationships that matter most—strengthening the very support systems your organization relies on for community resilience.
Format
Facilitator-led and interactive, combining personal reflection, structured small-group practice, and collaborative problem-solving. Designed for groups of [X-Y] participants. All materials provided.
Core philosophy
This workshop addresses a unique reality of queer life: many of us build family from scratch, without the inherited structures and scripts of biological family. These relationships are vital to resilience but require specific skills to thrive. We believe organizations serving LGBTQ+ communities have a responsibility to offer tools for strengthening these essential bonds.
Target audience
LGBTQ+ staff, volunteers, or community members actively building or maintaining chosen family networks. Ideal for organizations whose constituents may lack family of origin support and need tools to strengthen their relational ecosystems.
Duration
2 hours
Sample activity
Script Surgery Small groups receive scenario cards with common chosen family tensions. They practice “surgery,” rewriting a charged statement into a clear, compassionate “I Feel, I Need, I Can Offer” communication.