Before we jump into the future of adoptees, I should give a little background of how I got to thinking about this topic, starting with a little backstory.
As a transracial adoptee from South Korea, I’ve grappled with a deep sense of disconnection regarding my racial identity, navigating the complexities of belonging while in predominantly white spaces. In 2016, I attended a SURJ meeting (Showing Up for Racial Justice – a national network of groups and individuals organizing white people for racial justice) with my then partner which proved to be a turning point in my journey. Before the meeting started, a woman approached me and reassured me that it was okay to get up and leave to take the space I needed if I ever felt uncomfortable. When she left, I turned and asked my partner what just happened. Her response was simply, “You’re Asian.” For whatever reason, that was the moment that prompted me to venture out on a journey of self-discovery, exploring my cultural heritage, adoption narrative, and working to reconnect to my roots.
Which brings me to the topic of the future of adoptees and why I’m sharing my thoughts. My advocacy for adoptees stems from navigating intersecting identities and acknowledging the complexities within my communities. I’ve witnessed and felt the pain and trauma associated with adoption, and I’m well aware that the positive adoption stories are the narrative norm in our society—most times creating more harm to our community than good. I’m constantly torn between both my adoptee and queer community, always feeling like part of me has to be sacrificed to be in either space in order for the community to accept me.
I’ve reflected on friends facing challenges in starting their own families and in exploring various avenues available to them. I want to stress that what I am about to say is my personal opinion. I feel, if there’s ever a positive portrayal of an adoption narrative, I’m observing it firsthand with many in my personal circle. Perhaps it’s also a testament to the individuals I surround myself with—compassionate, empathetic people who understand the intricacies of building a family through foster care, adoption, or other services.
My own journey in adoptee advocacy led me to Adoptees United. The organization’s prioritization of adoptee-centric legislation, both domestically and internationally, is what drew me to it. Since joining the Board, I’ve spent time talking about the future of adoptees with our Executive Director, Gregory Luce, particularly in light of the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the emergence of baby box bills nationwide, all of which signal potential challenges for adoptees that are reminiscent of past eras (e.g. the Baby Scoop Era).
Meanwhile, we’ve seen a significant shift occurring in intercountry adoptions, with countries confronting past harms inflicted on adoptees. South Korea, France, Switzerland, and Norway are among those addressing decades-long illicit practices and child trafficking within intercountry adoptions. South Korea has already opened up an investigation into hundreds of adoptions and, given revelations found in Norway, is contemplating banning all foreign adoptions.
So what lies ahead for the future of adoptees? I envision a future where the next generation of adoptees no longer face the hardships of disconnection, isolation, or abandonment. To realize this vision, I’m advocating for adult adoptees to start to shift the direction of their activism towards broader systemic reforms within the child welfare system, addressing root causes before adoption becomes necessary. Additionally, collaboration between domestic and intercountry adoptees is crucial in advocating for federal legislation like Citizenship for All, while using the voting power of domestic adoptees to advocate for those without citizenship. By leveraging the power to elect representatives who will support legislation like Citizenship for All, we can help reshape the landscape for intercountry adoptees.
I understand my perspective may evoke discomfort or anger within some people reading this, and I’ll be the first to validate those feelings. But I also firmly believe in the transformative power of addressing root causes that will benefit future generations of adoptees. It’s a commitment I’m deeply invested in, driven by the belief that preventing just one child from experiencing feelings of loss, abandonment, and disconnection makes it all worthwhile.
Now, I pose a question to you: How do you envision the future for adoptees? Adoptees United is eager to hear your thoughts. We’re inviting you to share your visions and to dream big about the possibilities.
This is so powerful and visionary. Thank you, CS!
This perspective is so helpful and important to acknowledge. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Thank you for this CS!!!! I so appreciate you.
This. 100% “…collaboration between domestic and intercountry adoptees is crucial in advocating for federal legislation like Citizenship for All, while using the voting power of domestic adoptees to advocate for those without citizenship.”