If the past few weeks since my mother’s death have taught me anything as I deal with a toxic, dysfunctional blood family, it is the joy and the importance of chosen family. Queer, not so queer, step sisters, blended families, in-laws, honourary nieces and nephews, besties, colleagues, and oh-so-rated mates. A lesson highlighted by the incredible project Dogs and their Dykes who say it all in this clip from their amazing It’s Nice That talk – that while it happens to mention one Arnie and their smitten dykes, hits home with the importance of chosen family, found family, created and never bettered family and how a minute of appreciation can change a day. A moment of light in a dark few weeks, I will keep coming back to – regardless of the toxic nonsense coming my way. Thanks to Nessie Appleton and Mair Howells for making it so.