Heartwarming Portrayals of Found Family for Orphaned Queer Characters

Found family is a recurring and vital theme in queer storytelling because it reflects the real life experiences of many individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. When biological families or societal systems fail to provide support, queer people often create their own kinship networks based on shared values and mutual care. This is particularly significant for orphaned characters who must navigate the world without traditional parental guidance. These stories celebrate the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of choosing who to call home.

‘Pose’ (2018–2021)

Blanca Rodriguez starts her own house after being diagnosed with HIV in 1980s New York City. She takes in young queer people like Damon and Angel who have been cast out by their biological families or left with nowhere else to go. The House of Evangelista provides a protective environment where these individuals can pursue their dreams and express their true identities. This portrayal emphasizes that kinship is built through shared struggle and unconditional support rather than blood ties.

‘The Fosters’ (2013–2018)

Jude Adams Foster is a young boy who enters the foster care system alongside his older sister after experiencing significant trauma. He eventually finds a permanent home with a lesbian couple who nurture his journey of self discovery as he identifies as gay. The series focuses on the importance of stable parental figures for queer youth who have navigated the instability of state care. Jude’s story demonstrates how a loving environment can empower an orphaned child to embrace their orientation with confidence.

‘Warrior Nun’ (2020–2022)

Ava Silva is an orphan who was raised in a repressive Catholic orphanage before being resurrected by a divine artifact. As she navigates her new role as the Warrior Nun, she forms a deep bond with a group of sister warriors who become her new family. Ava also explores her romantic feelings for Sister Beatrice which adds a layer of queer representation to her journey of belonging. The Order of the Cruciform Sword serves as a sanctuary where Ava finds the acceptance she never received during her childhood.

‘Batwoman’ (2019–2022)

Ryan Wilder is a former foster child and an orphan who takes over the mantle of Batwoman to protect Gotham City. Her history of being overlooked by the system informs her desire to build a community with allies like Mary Hamilton and Luke Fox. Ryan is an out lesbian whose strength comes from the connections she builds with her chosen family members. Her narrative highlights how individuals who have lost everything can find purpose through service and local alliances.

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

Adora is an orphan raised by the villainous Horde who eventually defects to join the Rebellion after finding a magical sword. She discovers a new sense of belonging among the Princess Alliance and builds a deep emotional connection with her rival Catra. The series portrays Adora’s growth as she learns to trust her friends and realize that her worth is not tied to her utility. This found family dynamic is central to the show’s exploration of redemption and queer love.

‘Shadowhunters’ (2016–2019)

Magnus Bane is an immortal warlock who lost his mother at a young age and was abandoned by his father. Over centuries he has built a vast network of allies and fellow outcasts who serve as his support system in the supernatural world. His relationship with Alec Lightwood allows him to experience a stable domestic life for the first time. Magnus often acts as a mentor and father figure to younger queer supernatural beings who have been rejected by their own societies.

‘Dead Boy Detectives’ (2024)

Edwin Paine is a ghost who spent decades in Hell before escaping to solve supernatural mysteries with his best friend Charles. Having been killed at a boarding school without any family to mourn him, Edwin finds solace in his partnership with Charles and their psychic friend Crystal. The group functions as a tight knit unit that tackles both paranormal threats and emotional trauma. Edwin eventually comes to terms with his feelings for Charles within the safety of this unconventional family structure.

‘It’s a Sin’ (2021)

Roscoe Babatunde leaves his religious household and finds a new family with a group of friends in London. The group lives together in a flat they call the Pink Palace where they provide each other with love and support during the AIDS crisis. This found family becomes the primary source of care for characters who are isolated from their biological relatives. The show illustrates how these bonds are often stronger and more enduring than traditional family ties.

‘Rent’ (2005)

This musical drama follows a group of bohemians in New York City who are dealing with the challenges of the AIDS epidemic. Characters like Angel and Collins find deep emotional connections within their circle of friends as they face poverty and social marginalization. The group functions as a chosen family that provides a safety net when traditional systems fail them. Through their shared art and struggles, they create a community that celebrates queer life and resilience.

‘Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts’ (2020)

Benson is a survivor in a post apocalyptic world who openly identifies as gay while navigating a landscape filled with mutated creatures. He joins forces with Kipo and Wolf to create a diverse group of allies that functions as a family unit. Benson’s confidence in his identity is bolstered by the unwavering acceptance of his companions. Their journey highlights how shared goals and mutual protection can create unbreakable bonds in the harshest environments.

‘Our Flag Means Death’ (2022–2023)

Jim is a non-binary pirate who was raised by a nun and seeks revenge for the death of their family. They find an unexpected home aboard the Revenge under the leadership of Stede Bonnet and Blackbeard. The crew of the ship is composed of various outcasts who accept Jim without question or judgment. This environment allows Jim to find romance and a sense of peace despite their violent past.

‘The Umbrella Academy’ (2019–2024)

Klaus and Viktor are among the siblings adopted by a billionaire after being born to women who showed no signs of pregnancy. As orphans who experienced emotional neglect, they rely on their shared experiences to navigate their superpowers and personal identities. Klaus is an openly queer man who finds a sense of community with his siblings despite their dysfunctional upbringing. Viktor eventually transitions and receives support from his family which reinforces the theme of acceptance. Their journey shows how individuals can reclaim their sense of self through the support of those who truly understand them.

‘Paris Is Burning’ (1990)

This documentary explores the underground ballroom culture of New York City during the late 1980s. It features various Houses that act as alternative family structures for queer and trans youth who have been abandoned. House mothers provide guidance and survival resources to their members while preparing for competitions. The film illustrates how these chosen families offer a vital sense of belonging and dignity to marginalized individuals.

‘The 100’ (2014–2020)

Clarke Griffin is a bisexual leader who must guide a group of juvenile delinquents on a dangerous post apocalyptic Earth. Having lost both of her parents over the course of the series, she relies on her close knit group of friends for survival and emotional support. This found family bond is tested by constant external threats and moral dilemmas. Clarke’s narrative highlights the strength of queer characters who build new societal structures based on loyalty and love.

‘Moonlight’ (2016)

Chiron is a young man who navigates his queer identity while growing up in a difficult environment in Miami. He finds a surrogate father in Juan who offers him the compassion and mentorship his biological mother cannot provide. Juan and his partner Teresa create a stable home environment where Chiron feels safe and seen. This relationship serves as a powerful example of how chosen family members can shape a person’s life for the better.

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