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Degrees of Separation

Welcome to Degrees of Separation, the series in which we explore familial estrangement in all its forms and hear from the people going through it, for worse and for better.

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 29: J.K. Rowling attends "Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore" World Premiere at The Royal Festival Hall on March 29, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage)

JK Rowling's views on trans people cost me my longest friendship

Channel: Families Families 4 hours ago By Anonymous
A wide shot of a woman sitting alone on a bed, gazing out of a bright window in a quiet, sparsely furnished room. Dressed in a blue shirt, she appears reflective, evoking themes of solitude, aging, and the emotional challenges of growing older. Videos are available similar to this scenario.

I left home 30 years ago, I haven't seen my family since

Channel: Families Families 1 day ago By Anonymous

I’ve been in Brooklyn’s shoes – it’s not a nepo baby tirade

Channel: Showbiz Showbiz January 21, 2026 By Anonymous
Woman closing pink door of apartment

Dad kicked Mum out at Christmas - I had a stepmum by New Year's

Channel: Families Families December 29, 2025 By Anonymous
Sad woman sitting alone on bed in hotel room

I was proud of my brother - then the anti-disabled slurs started

Channel: Families Families December 8, 2025 By Anonymous
Someone holding up a mobile phone

Mum didn't like my wedding invite – now we don't speak

Channel: Families Families January 20, 2026 By Anonymous
Niall sitting a restaurant smiling

I graduated - then found myself homeless

Channel: Families Families October 15, 2025 By Niall Hignett
Senior woman looks out of window, holding a mug

My son cut off contact - I'm cutting him from my will

Channel: Families Families October 11, 2025 By Anonymous
A wide shot of a woman sitting alone on a bed, gazing out of a bright window in a quiet, sparsely furnished room. Dressed in a blue shirt, she appears reflective, evoking themes of solitude, aging, and the emotional challenges of growing older. Videos are available similar to this scenario.

My family are all alive - but I'm still an orphan

Channel: Families Families 2 days ago By Anonymous
Girl looks towards window with back to camera

I told my mum I was sexually abused – she said ‘just say no’

Channel: Families Families September 8, 2025 By Anonymous
Senior woman standing near the kitchen sink and looking through window

My Gran has always hated me – I’ve never known why

Channel: Families Families September 8, 2025 By Anonymous
Senior woman looks out of window, holding a mug

My son cut off contact - I'm cutting him from my will

Channel: Families Families October 11, 2025 By Anonymous
Niall sitting a restaurant smiling

I found myself homeless after graduation as an estranged student

Channel: Families Families October 15, 2025 By Niall Hignett
Senior woman standing near the kitchen sink and looking through window

I tried to give Gran a hug – her reaction still haunts me

Channel: Families Families September 6, 2025 By Anonymous
Bad news

I refused to fund my stepmother's luxurious lifestyle when my dad died

Channel: Families Families June 28, 2025 By Anonymous
Woman closing pink door of apartment

Dad kicked Mum out - I had a new stepmum within a week

Channel: Families Families December 27, 2025 By Anonymous
Woman crouching down in despair with head on her knees

I lost my dad but he's still alive

Channel: Families Families June 15, 2025 By Anonymous
Senior woman looks out of window, holding a mug

My son cut off contact - I'm cutting him from my will

Channel: Families Families August 30, 2025 By Anonymous
Woman crouching down in despair with head on her knees

Dad promised to spend Christmas with me - he wasn't in the country

Channel: Families Families June 15, 2025 By Anonymous
silhouette of depress woman standing in the dark with light shine behind

My twisted father said he abused me because my mother didn't satisfy him

Channel: Families Families May 4, 2025 By Anonymous