In literature, the concept of “found families” is a powerful and deeply emotional theme, especially in the context of LGBTQIA+ stories. Found families are formed when individuals, often marginalized or ostracized, come together to create their own support networks, free from traditional family structures. This theme is particularly resonant in queer fantasy, where characters frequently navigate worlds that do not always accept or understand them. These stories are not just about magic and adventure, but also about the emotional bonds that form when people face adversity together.
For LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially those who may have been rejected by their biological families or society, found families offer a sense of belonging, support, and unconditional love. In queer fantasy, these found families often become more than just a group of people—they symbolize hope, resilience, and the creation of spaces where one can be fully themselves without judgment. The importance of these stories lies in their ability to depict the transformative power of community, where each character contributes to the growth and healing of the others.
Moreover, queer fantasy novels featuring found families celebrate the diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community, providing representation that is both varied and empowering. These stories reflect the richness of queer identities, from different sexual orientations and gender identities to the intersectionality of race, culture, and class. By showcasing the strength of bonds forged through choice rather than blood, these narratives enrich the genre, making it a safe, inclusive, and inspiring space for readers to explore not just fantastical worlds, but also the realities of love, belonging, and identity.
The Power of Found Families in LGBTQIA+ Fantasy
In LGBTQIA+ narratives, a “found family” refers to a group of people who come together, not through biological or legal connections, but through choice, shared experiences, and mutual support. These individuals might be from different backgrounds, have different identities, or have experienced varying levels of hardship, but they form a bond based on trust, love, and the desire to care for each other. Unlike traditional families, which are often defined by blood relations, found families are created by individuals who choose one another, recognizing their shared struggles, joys, and aspirations.
In queer fantasy, found families are particularly significant because many LGBTQIA+ individuals face rejection or alienation from their biological families or society at large. These stories offer an alternative, showing that families don’t have to be bound by blood—they can be forged in the fires of adversity and mutual support. The act of creating a family by choice speaks to a universal human need: the desire for connection, belonging, and love.
Psychological and Emotional Impact: The Healing Power of Support and Acceptance
The emotional resonance of found families in LGBTQIA+ fantasy is profound. For many readers, especially those who have faced rejection or discrimination based on their identity, these stories are healing and validating. Found families offer the kind of acceptance that biological families may fail to provide, and in doing so, they fill a critical gap in the characters’ emotional lives.
In these stories, the characters are often shown overcoming personal struggles—be it societal prejudice, trauma, or isolation. The found family acts as a safe space where they can be vulnerable and receive unconditional love, which is vital for their emotional well-being. For example, these families often provide support during moments of crisis, encourage each other’s growth, and celebrate one another’s victories. This emotional support helps them heal from the emotional scars left by a world that often fails to understand them.
Additionally, found families can help LGBTQIA+ characters navigate their identities with confidence. Instead of having to conform to societal expectations or family pressures, they are allowed to be themselves, free of judgment, which is crucial for their mental and emotional development. The sense of belonging they experience within their found families often becomes the foundation for their self-acceptance and empowerment.
Community Bonds: Building Strong, Supportive Networks
Beyond individual relationships, found families in LGBTQIA+ fantasy often grow into larger, supportive communities. These communities are characterized by mutual respect, shared responsibility, and collective care. In many queer fantasy stories, the characters don’t just find acceptance on a personal level—they create a network that serves as a refuge for others who have also faced exclusion or hardship.
These communities highlight the importance of solidarity, as they often come together to confront external threats, fight for justice, or simply provide a safe space for each other. The stories often show how diverse individuals, each with their own unique challenges and strengths, can work together to build something stronger than the sum of its parts. This sense of community bonds individuals in a way that emphasizes the power of collective action, mutual respect, and love.
In a broader context, these communities often reflect real-life LGBTQIA+ networks, where chosen families, support groups, and activist circles provide a lifeline to those in need. In queer fantasy, the importance of these supportive communities is magnified, showcasing not just the necessity of connection, but also the strength that comes from standing together in the face of adversity.
Ultimately, the portrayal of found families and community bonds in LGBTQIA+ fantasy stories serves as both a source of emotional solace and a powerful message about the importance of creating spaces where love, acceptance, and solidarity can thrive. These narratives remind readers that family is not defined by blood, but by the love and support we give and receive from those who choose to stand by us.
Key Themes and Tropes in LGBTQIA+ Fantasy with Found Families
One of the central themes in LGBTQIA+ fantasy featuring found families is the concept of “chosen family.” Unlike traditional family structures, where bonds are formed through biological ties, chosen families are made up of individuals who come together because of shared values, mutual respect, and a sense of unconditional support. This theme is especially powerful in queer narratives, where characters may have been rejected or marginalized by their biological families due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or other personal characteristics. In many LGBTQIA+ fantasy stories, characters form deep, lasting bonds with those they choose to be their family, often building connections that are stronger and more meaningful than those tied to blood relations.
This idea of chosen family is not just about filling the void left by rejection; it’s also about empowering individuals to create their own definitions of family. By making this choice, characters are free from societal expectations and are able to forge relationships based on mutual love, trust, and respect. These families are often made up of people who have experienced similar struggles or hardships, making them ideal support systems. In some cases, these chosen families also include mentors or older figures who offer wisdom, guidance, and protection. The strength of these families lies in their intentionality—every individual within the family has been chosen because they bring something valuable to the group, whether it’s emotional support, loyalty, or shared purpose.
Acceptance and Belonging: A Safe Haven in a Hostile World
Another crucial theme in LGBTQIA+ fantasy with found families is the deep sense of acceptance and belonging that these families provide. For many queer individuals, the world outside their chosen family is often hostile, judgmental, or indifferent to their identity. This can create a sense of isolation or alienation, particularly if their biological families have rejected them or failed to provide the love and acceptance they need. In these stories, found families offer characters a sanctuary where they can be their true selves, free from the fear of rejection or discrimination.
These found families are often depicted as spaces where individuals can express their authentic identities—whether that means embracing their sexual orientation, gender identity, or simply expressing their unique personality. For queer characters, these families are often the only place where they feel seen, understood, and valued. This theme resonates deeply with readers who may also feel marginalized or excluded in their own lives. The acceptance found within these families fosters a sense of belonging and security, helping characters overcome the pain of exclusion from society or their biological families.
Moreover, these families often work together to challenge societal norms, creating a shared sense of purpose and mutual support. The bonds of love and acceptance that are formed within the found family can be a powerful antidote to the discrimination and prejudice characters may face outside of their safe space. By coming together, the members of these families form a community where they can find strength and resilience, offering a beacon of hope in a world that may seem cold or unwelcoming.
Healing and Growth: A Space for Personal Transformation
Found families in LGBTQIA+ fantasy are not only places of acceptance, but they also serve as spaces for healing and personal growth. Many characters in these stories are dealing with trauma—whether it’s from past abuse, societal rejection, or internal struggles related to their identity. The support they receive from their found family members is often key to their emotional healing and growth. These families provide a space for characters to confront their pasts, process their trauma, and begin their journey toward self-discovery and self-acceptance.
Through the love and care of their chosen family, characters often learn to heal from emotional wounds and reclaim their sense of worth. These stories often depict how these families help individuals break free from the negative influences of their past, offering them the opportunity to rewrite their narrative in a supportive environment. As characters work through their personal issues, they are also able to develop new strengths and abilities, growing not just as individuals but also as members of a community.
Healing within a found family is often portrayed as a collective effort. Each member of the family has their own personal struggles, but they support each other in their journeys of recovery. For example, one character’s healing might inspire another, or a shared experience of overcoming adversity can help bond the group. These relationships foster an environment where personal growth is encouraged, and individuals feel safe enough to explore and develop their full potential.
Additionally, these families often serve as mirrors for self-discovery. As characters grow within their chosen families, they are able to uncover parts of themselves they may have hidden or repressed due to fear or shame. This growth is not just emotional or psychological—it can also be physical or spiritual, as characters learn to embrace their identities in a way that is fully authentic. Through these journeys of healing and growth, found families in LGBTQIA+ fantasy stories provide a model for resilience and transformation that speaks to the power of love and community in overcoming life’s greatest challenges.
In LGBTQIA+ fantasy, the themes of chosen family, acceptance, and personal growth are not just narrative devices—they are powerful tools for exploring identity, belonging, and the human need for connection. These families offer characters the space to heal, to grow, and to become their best selves, all while fostering a sense of community that transcends the limitations of biological ties. Through these stories, readers are reminded of the importance of creating spaces where love, care, and acceptance can thrive—spaces where individuals are free to define themselves on their own terms.
Top LGBTQIA+ Fantasy Stories with Found Families and Community Bonds
Here is a list of must-read LGBTQIA+ fantasy novels that focus on the themes of found families and community bonds. These stories not only celebrate the magic of fantastical worlds but also the emotional power of chosen families who support each other through adversity.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ KluneThe House in the Cerulean Sea is a heartwarming and whimsical fantasy novel that explores the power of found family. Linus Baker, a by-the-book government worker, is sent on a mission to investigate an orphanage housing magical children. There, he meets Arthur Parnassus, the enigmatic caretaker, and a group of extraordinary children with unique powers. As Linus grows close to them, he finds himself forming a bond with the children and their guardians, discovering a family he never knew he needed. The themes of acceptance, unconditional love, and the importance of belonging resonate deeply throughout the story. This novel highlights how a community built on care and understanding can help individuals heal and grow.
Key Themes: Love, acceptance, magical community, healing, and found family. Key Relationships: Linus and the children, Linus and Arthur, Arthur’s protective role.
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers In A Psalm for the Wild-Built, the protagonist, Sibling Dex, is a tea monk who embarks on a journey in a future world where humans coexist with intelligent robots. Along the way, they meet Mosscap, a robot searching for answers about humanity’s role in the world. Their companionship leads them to form a new, unexpected family in a post-apocalyptic world. As they travel, they create a bond that transcends their differences, proving that family can be formed between any individuals who support one another. The novel explores themes of self-discovery, purpose, and the healing power of community in a tranquil yet impactful way.
Key Themes: Self-discovery, finding purpose, non-traditional family structures, community. Key Relationships: Dex and Mosscap, the growing bond between a human and a robot.
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha ShannonThe Priory of the Orange Tree is an epic fantasy novel that brings together a diverse cast of characters from different lands and cultures. At the heart of the story is the formation of a global community that comes together to face a world-ending threat. The characters, including a dragon-riding queen, a dragon-rider from the East, and a fierce dragon-rider in the West, form a family-like bond based on loyalty, sacrifice, and mutual respect. This novel is a celebration of the diverse relationships that can exist within a community, including LGBTQIA+ characters who forge strong, supportive bonds across different societies and identities.
Key Themes: Loyalty, love, sacrifice, diverse cultures, global community. Key Relationships: Queen Sabran and her court, the connection between Tané and the East, and the unbreakable bond between characters from different backgrounds.
The Queer Principles of Kit Webb by Cat Sebastian In The Queer Principles of Kit Webb, Kit Webb is a retired highwayman who is reluctantly pulled back into his old life when he’s tasked with robbing a wealthy merchant. However, his target, the nerdy and naive Wesley, is not at all what Kit expected. The two quickly find themselves forming a close bond as they navigate dangerous situations together. This novel blends romance, adventure, and a strong focus on found families, as Kit and Wesley create their own family of choice while fighting for justice in a world that does not understand them. Themes of trust, loyalty, and personal growth are at the forefront of this story.
Key Themes: Adventure, trust, loyalty, romantic relationships, found family. Key Relationships: Kit and Wesley, the growing relationship between two unlikely companions.
The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee Set in the 18th century, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue follows the journey of Henry “Monty” Montague, a young man navigating his identity as a bisexual in a world that demands conformity. Alongside his best friend, Percy, and his sister, Felicity, Monty embarks on a wild and life-changing tour of Europe. This novel focuses heavily on Monty’s emotional growth and his realization of the importance of found family. As the group faces obstacles, their bond strengthens, proving that loyalty, love, and acceptance can be found outside of traditional family structures.
Key Themes: Identity, love, friendship, personal growth, and loyalty. Key Relationships: Monty and Percy’s evolving romantic relationship, the strong bond between Monty, Percy, and Felicity.
Witchmark by C.L. Polk In Witchmark, the protagonist, Miles Singer, is a war hero with a secret: he has magical powers. When he is called upon to investigate a series of mysterious deaths in a world where magic is tightly controlled, Miles finds himself drawn into a conspiracy involving powerful individuals and dark secrets. Along the way, he forms a found family with his companions, including a charismatic healer and a powerful nobleman. The novel explores themes of loyalty, the cost of power, and the importance of finding one’s place in a divided world. The relationships in this story are deep, complex, and filled with trust and love, as the characters fight for justice and create their own chosen family.
Key Themes: Magic, loyalty, love, justice, and the cost of power. Key Relationships: Miles and his allies, the deepening connection between Miles and his new family.
These six books offer diverse and powerful depictions of found families and community bonds in LGBTQIA+ fantasy settings. Each story highlights the emotional and psychological benefits of creating families by choice, exploring how acceptance, support, and love can thrive in even the most fantastical or challenging worlds. Whether you’re looking for magical realism, epic fantasy, or historical adventure, these novels provide rich, fulfilling journeys where characters find strength in the connections they form with others, regardless of biological ties.
How Found Families Reflect Real-World LGBTQIA+ Experiences
The concept of found families in LGBTQIA+ fantasy stories is not just a fictional device—it mirrors a deeply important and real-world phenomenon that many LGBTQIA+ individuals experience. For those whose biological families may reject them due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or other differences, the creation of a chosen family is often a vital survival mechanism. In reality, many LGBTQIA+ people, especially those from more conservative or less accepting backgrounds, have to build support systems outside of their biological families to create a sense of belonging and security.
These found families serve as refuges from the discrimination, exclusion, or violence that may be faced in wider society. They provide not only emotional support but also practical assistance—offering a place to live, financial help, or just a safe space where individuals can express their identities without fear of judgment. Just like in queer fantasy narratives, these real-world communities are often formed through shared experiences, mutual understanding, and a commitment to caring for one another.
The strength of found families is rooted in choice: individuals come together because they want to, because they share common values, and because they understand each other’s struggles in a way that biological families may not. These chosen families reflect a vital need for acceptance and belonging, and the experiences of creating these supportive networks are often what make these stories so compelling and relatable to real LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Building Resilience: Inspiration for Creating Support Systems in Marginalized Communities
LGBTQIA+ fantasy stories featuring found families offer more than just escapism; they also provide real-world inspiration for readers, particularly those who may feel isolated or rejected. By seeing characters overcome adversity, find connection, and form communities that support them, readers are encouraged to seek out or create their own networks of support. In the real world, LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially those in marginalized communities, often face social stigma, discrimination, and even violence. These challenges can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, or hopelessness.
However, stories of found families in LGBTQIA+ fantasy provide a reminder of the resilience and strength that can be found in solidarity. These narratives offer readers a model for creating their own support systems—whether through LGBTQIA+ social groups, online communities, or local activist organizations. These stories also demonstrate that resilience is not a solitary effort but one that thrives in communities where love, support, and understanding are prioritized.
For example, the support systems depicted in stories like The House in the Cerulean Sea or A Psalm for the Wild-Built show characters coming together and building each other up in the face of great odds. They find strength not just in their own ability to survive but in the collective strength of their community. Such stories emphasize that by working together, even the most marginalized individuals can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
These narratives are crucial because they not only reflect the reality of LGBTQIA+ experiences but also offer hope and practical lessons for building supportive environments. For many readers, seeing characters who thrive in chosen families helps normalize the concept and shows how community care can foster survival, joy, and fulfillment.
Intersectionality and Diversity: Embracing a Wide Range of Identities Within the LGBTQIA+ Spectrum
A key strength of LGBTQIA+ fantasy stories that focus on found families is their commitment to embracing diversity and intersectionality. These stories often highlight characters from a variety of backgrounds, identities, and experiences within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, showcasing the richness and complexity of queer life. This reflects the reality of the LGBTQIA+ community, which is incredibly diverse—not only in terms of sexual orientation and gender identity but also with respect to race, ethnicity, class, and culture.
In real life, LGBTQIA+ individuals experience marginalization in different ways depending on their intersectional identities. For example, queer people of color, trans individuals, and disabled LGBTQIA+ folks often face additional layers of discrimination that can make it more difficult to find supportive communities. Found family stories in queer fantasy provide a space for these intersectional identities to be acknowledged, celebrated, and integrated into the narrative. They show that even within marginalized communities, there are diverse experiences that should be recognized and respected.
Books like The Priory of the Orange Tree and The Queer Principles of Kit Webb are particularly notable for their embrace of diverse identities. In The Priory of the Orange Tree, characters from different cultures, races, and sexual orientations come together to confront a common threat, demonstrating the strength of an intersectional approach to community-building. Similarly, in The Queer Principles of Kit Webb, the characters’ varied identities are integral to the story, showing how differences in race, class, and sexuality can lead to a more enriching and resilient found family.
These narratives not only validate the experiences of readers from diverse backgrounds but also encourage empathy and understanding across different LGBTQIA+ identities. By showcasing intersectionality within the context of found families, these stories reflect the reality of LGBTQIA+ communities, where individuals of all backgrounds come together to form bonds based on shared values, respect, and care.
In conclusion, the concept of found families in LGBTQIA+ fantasy stories mirrors the real-world experiences of many LGBTQIA+ individuals, offering a source of hope, resilience, and inspiration. These stories encourage readers to create their own support systems, particularly in marginalized communities, and emphasize the importance of embracing diversity within these spaces. By portraying intersectional identities and the strength that can be found in solidarity, these narratives provide both a reflection of the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ people and a powerful model for creating inclusive, supportive communities.
The Importance of Representation in LGBTQIA+ Fantasy
The inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters in fantasy genres is crucial for ensuring visibility and recognition in the wider literary landscape. For many years, LGBTQIA+ representation in fantasy was either nonexistent or relegated to subtext, often hidden or minimized within the story. However, in recent years, there has been a significant shift, with more authors crafting stories that feature LGBTQIA+ characters at the forefront of the narrative. This shift has been especially important in genres like fantasy, where the very nature of the world-building allows for limitless possibilities in terms of character identity, relationships, and experiences.
Found families, as a narrative device, have become a powerful platform for amplifying these LGBTQIA+ voices. Within these stories, LGBTQIA+ characters are often able to form bonds of love, loyalty, and trust that transcend the traditional family structures. These chosen families allow queer characters to build relationships that are not based on societal expectations or traditional norms, but on mutual care and respect. In doing so, these stories offer queer readers a chance to see themselves reflected in worlds where love and connection are not restricted by outdated conventions.
This representation is significant because it gives LGBTQIA+ individuals the opportunity to imagine themselves as heroes, caretakers, and beloved members of a family. For queer readers, especially those who may feel marginalized or isolated, seeing characters like them take on important roles in fantastical narratives can offer a sense of validation and belonging. The inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters in fantasy stories not only promotes diversity but also broadens the scope of what is possible in the genre. These characters show that love, community, and heroism exist in many forms, and that queer identities can be woven seamlessly into the fabric of even the most magical worlds.
Impact on Readers: Empowerment through Representation
The representation of LGBTQIA+ characters in supportive, family-like relationships in fantasy stories has a profound and positive impact on readers, especially younger or marginalized audiences. For many LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially those who are still coming to terms with their identities, seeing characters who share their experiences and form supportive networks can be incredibly empowering. These stories provide a sense of hope and reassurance, showing that it is possible to create families—whether biological or chosen—that offer safety, love, and acceptance.
For young readers, particularly those who are exploring their own identities, these stories serve as powerful examples of self-acceptance, resilience, and the importance of finding people who love and support you for who you are. In many real-world situations, LGBTQIA+ youth face rejection from their families or communities, and often struggle to find spaces where they feel understood and valued. Fantasy novels featuring found families allow these young readers to see how queer individuals can build their own support systems, form lasting connections, and create a sense of belonging, even in the most fantastical settings. These stories not only provide comfort but also present a blueprint for how to navigate the complexities of identity and community-building.
Moreover, seeing LGBTQIA+ characters in roles of agency and leadership—whether they’re embarking on epic adventures or simply living their lives with the support of their chosen families—gives readers a sense of possibility. They learn that their identities and relationships are valid and worthy of being celebrated. These portrayals can help combat feelings of alienation and offer a source of strength for readers who may feel that society at large does not accept them.
For marginalized groups within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, such as queer people of color, trans individuals, and those from non-Western cultures, the impact of representation is even more profound. Stories that showcase the intersectionality of race, gender, and sexual orientation help to validate the unique challenges faced by these individuals and demonstrate that their experiences are not only seen but also celebrated. The inclusion of diverse queer identities in family-like, supportive environments sends a message that every form of love and family structure is worthy of recognition and respect.
Found Families as a Tool for Broader Representation
Found families in LGBTQIA+ fantasy stories also offer a broader opportunity for inclusion within the genre. They allow authors to explore the dynamics of love, loyalty, and survival outside of the constraints of traditional family models, which often prioritize heterosexual, cisgender norms. By centering queer characters in these narratives, authors break down barriers and create more inclusive worlds where diverse forms of family and love are possible. This fosters an environment where LGBTQIA+ readers can see their own experiences reflected in powerful, dynamic stories.
In a world where many LGBTQIA+ individuals still struggle to be seen and accepted, these stories provide a form of representation that can validate their experiences and identities. Representation is not just about showing LGBTQIA+ characters but about giving them meaningful roles—whether as beloved family members, leaders, or adventurers. These characters are integral to the story, shaping the world around them and proving that queer people belong in all aspects of the fantasy genre.
In conclusion, the importance of representation in LGBTQIA+ fantasy stories cannot be overstated. The visibility of LGBTQIA+ characters, particularly in found families, allows queer readers to see themselves reflected in fantastical worlds where love, care, and acceptance transcend traditional family structures. These stories provide empowerment, inspiration, and hope for marginalized readers, showing them that they, too, can find or create their own support systems, be heroes in their own stories, and experience love and belonging. Ultimately, LGBTQIA+ representation in fantasy not only enriches the genre but also fosters a more inclusive and empathetic world for all readers.
Conclusion
The emotional and narrative power of found families and community bonds in LGBTQIA+ fantasy stories cannot be overstated. These themes offer a profound exploration of what it means to belong, love, and support one another outside of traditional family structures. Found families in queer fantasy narratives often become the cornerstone of character growth, resilience, and healing, offering a space where individuals can create deep, authentic connections built on mutual care and acceptance.
In these stories, the bonds between characters go beyond biological ties, emphasizing that true family is not defined by blood but by the choice to stand together, support one another, and navigate the world’s challenges as a united front. This narrative structure is especially resonant in LGBTQIA+ fantasy, where themes of marginalization, identity, and community are woven seamlessly into the plot, allowing for an emotional journey that feels deeply personal while still existing within a fantastical world.
The portrayal of LGBTQIA+ characters in supportive, family-like relationships also serves as an essential tool for representation, providing readers—particularly those from marginalized communities—an opportunity to see themselves as valued, capable, and deserving of love. These stories empower readers to understand that, despite adversity, they can build their own networks of support and create families that reflect their authentic selves.
Ultimately, the power of found families in LGBTQIA+ fantasy stories lies in their ability to create a sense of belonging and hope, highlighting the transformative potential of love, loyalty, and community. These narratives not only enrich the fantasy genre but also provide essential emotional sustenance for readers, offering a reminder that, no matter where we come from, we all deserve to find and be part of a family that lifts us up and helps us thrive.
