My Monthly Musings

November is Adoption Awareness Month. This month was originally named to bring awareness to the traditional adoption narrative and to recruit and support adoptive parents. This original aim silences the lived experiences of adopted people, those who the month is named for. Currently, adoptees have taken ownership over November to shift the traditional adoption narrative to a narrative based on lived experiences and the voices of adoptees. A few months ago I was on a podcast that was hosted by adoptive parents who were also adoption professionals. During this interview, one of the hosts became uncomfortable as we talked about the responsibilities of adoptive parents of transracial adoptees. She specifically attempted to have me absolve her of her guilt, but I pushed back and challenged her. After the interview, I did not hear from them again. I found the interview when I google searched my name, and upon listening to the interview, I discovered that the interviewer edited out those exchanges. She silenced me. While she attempted to make herself look and feel better, she silenced my expertise, research, and lived experience. It felt even more "icky' because she was a white adoptive mom of black adoptees. In contrast, I had the privilege of being on the live podcast event hosted by Adoption: The Making of Me. In this space, I felt like I could take up space, be my authentic self, and feel valued. To speak up and speak out during Adoption Awareness month, I am speaking at multiple conferences and on multiple podcasts, all in safe spaces that aim to elevate the voices of adoptees. I hope to see you this month.