Exiled twins use inherited hate money to build a school and community coffee lounge for queers in a homophobic Dallas, TX neighborhood.
In a small, conservative Southern town notorious for its unwavering homophobia, Chosen Family unfolds as a beacon of hope and resistance. The central figures of this compelling drama are Rissa & Kasey, twins in their 40’s who have been estranged from their family and exiled from their hometown due to their open rejection of the heteronormative expectations imposed on them.
The story ignites when the twins inherit a significant sum of money from a deceased relative who, ironically, amassed his wealth through enterprises that capitalized on hate and discrimination. The irony is not lost on Rissa & Kasey, who decide to use this "hate money" to subvert the legacy of intolerance it represents.
Together, they hatch a courageous and transformative plan: they will build in their hometown and use the inherited funds to establish the June Academy, a progressive, accepting school specifically dedicated to supporting homeless LGBTQ+ youth. Nearby the academy, they envision a community coffee and art gallery lounge — a warm, welcoming space where people, regardless of their identity or background, can gather, connect, and construct their own 'chosen families.'
Their endeavor is steeped in challenges. The town, still as homophobic as the twins remember, meets their initiative with hostility and derision. The local authority figures, some of whom are their own estranged family members, are relentless in their efforts to sabotage the twins' mission. However, Rissa and Kasey are steadfast. They've tasted the bitter pain of rejection and isolation firsthand and are committed to forging a different path for others.
Amidst the overarching struggle, subplots delve into the vibrant lives of the twins and the diverse group of characters who become part of their chosen family. We see romance and heartbreak, bonds of friendship that are as strong as blood relations, and the individual traumas and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ youths the academy seeks to shelter and uplift.
As tensions rise, the twins must navigate complex family dynamics, confront their own past traumas, and negotiate the dangers of being openly queer in a hostile environment. All the while, they inspire a profound and burgeoning change within the community that unfolds in parallel to their own journey towards healing and empowerment.
Chosen Family is a poignant, fearless, and heartfelt drama that explores the profound strength derived from unity and love, shining a light on the significance of chosen families for those whom society has marginalized. It's a series that is anchored by the raw, personal experiences of its creator, instilling a deep sense of authenticity into the narrative and a palpable desire to spark real-world change through the power of storytelling.
Chosen Family is rooted in the creator's real-life experiences, giving the narrative an authentic and deeply emotional core that audiences can connect with. It's not just a story—it's a lived experience repurposed to ignite change.
The series tackles pressing issues of LGBTQ+ rights, family acceptance, and societal transformation in a way that mirrors and comments on the ongoing struggles in various communities, making it highly relevant for contemporary viewers.
Set in conservative Dallas, TX, the series offers a fresh perspective by centering on characters who are usually marginalized in such settings, providing a backdrop ripe for dramatic tension and character development.
Chosen Family is a story of empowerment. It portrays strong, resilient LGBTQ+ characters who, instead of being victims of their circumstances, take proactive steps to create a safe and loving community.
Beyond its entertainment value, the series carries a strong message of hope, allies, and activism that could inspire viewers to engage in their communities. It presents an opportunity for producers to be part of a project with the potential to affect meaningful change.
The series promises complex, multifaceted characters and relationships, offering an array of storylines and character arcs that can evolve and deepen over time, making it a compelling and enduring narrative that can captivate audiences for multiple seasons.