Because trans people are often rejected by their biological families at rates far higher than their cisgender (non-trans) LGB peers, the concept of chosen family is sacred. Within LGBTQ culture, chosen family is important; within trans culture, it is survival. These are the friends who provide a couch to sleep on during a medical transition, who pool money for gender-affirming surgery, and who teach you how to shave your face or pad a bra.