INTERVIEW WITH BILLY - PART 2

I had the honor of sitting down with my dear friend Billy, also known as Billy Birhan Desalegn, in this deeply moving interview. Billy is a professional tour guide from Addis Ababa who unexpectedly began working in one of the most emotionally complex spaces in Ethiopia, the hidden reality of adoptee returns and reunification. After the crises of COVID-19 and the war in northern Ethiopia disrupted tourism, Billy transitioned from guiding visitors through Ethiopia’s historic sites to supporting adoptees and adoptive families returning in search of truth, family, and belonging. Instead, he stepped into a world far removed from scenic tours and shaped by the exploitation of Ethiopian families, grief, broken promises, and impossible expectations.

Billy shares the haunting moment that changed everything for him, meeting a young Ethiopian adoptee who, despite being seen as “lucky” enough to live in the West with “everything,” was deeply silent and visibly unhappy. That experience transformed how he understood adoption. He realized his role was no longer just to translate, but to translate between decades of lies that agencies sold to biological families, the reality of adoptee lives abroad, and the painful truths no one wanted to acknowledge or fix. He also addresses the damage caused by white adoptive parents when they enter vulnerable communities with gifts, money, and performative generosity, only to disappear and leave biological families carrying the social consequences. Billy speaks candidly about the overwhelming expectations placed on returning adoptees and the emotional weight of translating through systemic failures.

What makes Billy so special is his humanity and his commitment to his morals and values. He shares how he has cried alongside adoptees, protected them from exploitation, and helped guide families through reunions with honesty and care. Billy is far more than a translator or tour guide, but a much needed witness and interpreter of broken promises in a system built on deception and blatant abuse of power. This interview is a powerful reminder that family search and homecoming are rarely simple, but the truth becomes easier to find with someone who prioritizes humanity, truth, and justice over greed.

I had the honor of sitting down with my dear friend Billy, also known as Billy Birhan Desalegn, in this deeply moving interview. Billy is a professional tour guide from Addis Ababa who unexpectedly began working in one of the most emotionally complex spaces in Ethiopia, the hidden reality of adoptee returns and reunification. After the crises of COVID-19 and the war in northern Ethiopia disrupted tourism, Billy transitioned from guiding visitors through Ethiopia’s historic sites to supporting adoptees and adoptive families returning in search of truth, family, and belonging. Instead, he stepped into a world far removed from scenic tours and shaped by the exploitation of Ethiopian families, grief, broken promises, and impossible expectations.

Billy shares the haunting moment that changed everything for him, meeting a young Ethiopian adoptee who, despite being seen as “lucky” enough to live in the West with “everything,” was deeply silent and visibly unhappy. That experience transformed how he understood adoption. He realized his role was no longer just to translate, but to translate between decades of lies that agencies sold to biological families, the reality of adoptee lives abroad, and the painful truths no one wanted to acknowledge or fix. He also addresses the damage caused by white adoptive parents when they enter vulnerable communities with gifts, money, and performative generosity, only to disappear and leave biological families carrying the social consequences. Billy speaks candidly about the overwhelming expectations placed on returning adoptees and the emotional weight of translating through systemic failures.

What makes Billy so special is his humanity and his commitment to his morals and values. He shares how he has cried alongside adoptees, protected them from exploitation, and helped guide families through reunions with honesty and care. Billy is far more than a translator or tour guide, but a much needed witness and interpreter of broken promises in a system built on deception and blatant abuse of power. This interview is a powerful reminder that family search and homecoming are rarely simple, but the truth becomes easier to find with someone who prioritizes humanity, truth, and justice over greed.

Hey guyssss, this episode is me getting brutally honest with myself and with us as a community. It’s truthfully more of a crashout that I refuse to make palatable, because this is the reality of our lives, random crashouts as we start to metabolize what happened to us fifteen, twenty, thirty years ago. Like, let’s be real, most of us adoptees are NOT okay. And I don’t mean that in a “feel sorry for us” way, but in a “holy trauma, we’ve been through some wild stuff” kind of way. Between the fraudulent adoptions, missing documents, and the fact that many of us were literally trafficked under the name of “saving children,” it’s no wonder we’re collectively unwell. I’m talking imposter syndrome, burnout, coping mechanisms that no longer work, all of it. I had to admit that I’ve spent years intellectualizing my adoption instead of actually feeling it. And surprise, surprise, those emotions came knocking anyway. So yeah, I’m not okay, but also, I kinda am. You know?

At the same time, this is me calling us in, not out. Because despite all the chaos, the corruption, and the lack of care we were shown, we’re still here, surviving, existing, even laughing. That’s wild resilience right there. But we’ve also got to stop lying about adoption being this beautiful fairytale when we know better. Some of y’all are out here promoting a system that literally destroyed our families, stop it. Be kind to yourself, stop leeching off each other’s already-tapped energy, and for the love of God, let’s build community that doesn’t self-destruct every five minutes. This episode is equal parts rant, confession, and love letter to every Ethiopian adoptee still trying to make sense of it all. We’re not okay, but the fact that we keep showing up anyway, that’s incredibly remarkable. I truly love you all, I just want better for all of us! <3

Hey everyone! In this solo episode, I get real about something that’s been weighing heavy on my heart: the lie we’ve been told that adoption is always good, always safe, always “better.” The title says it all – You’re Not Crazy – The Odds Were Not In Our Favor. I walk through the reasons why so many Ethiopian adoptees feel isolated, gaslit, and unheard, and how our experiences have been erased or minimized under the guise of adoption “saving” us.

I talk candidly about the systems that failed us. Systems that didn’t vet adopters, didn’t check in on us, and never prioritized our well-being. I name what it really was: not adoption, but child trafficking and human trafficking. I speak directly to fellow adoptees who’ve been made to feel like they're the problem, like they should just be grateful, and I want you to hear me when I say – you're NOT crazy.

This episode is a truth-telling session. It's raw, it’s emotional, and it’s a call to reframe the way we talk about adoption and our stories. If you’ve ever felt alone in your experience or like your pain didn’t make sense, I hope this episode makes it just a little bit easier to breathe. Let's talk about it and then create a new game-plan that will allow for the happiness and peace you - ALL OF US - deserve! <3 

[SAME SUMMARY FROM PART I]

In this first episode of 2025, I had the honor of virtually sitting down with Cosimo Naldi, an Ethiopian adoptee raised and living in Italy. This conversation was raw, emotional, and deeply eye-opening. Cosimo’s story goes beyond adoption—it’s about survival, identity, and the complex layers that shape adoptee experiences. It’s not defined by trauma alone; it’s also about how love can be a solution, because amor vincit omnia, or “love conquers all,” which is not only Cosimo’s favorite phrase but also the title of a painting by one of my favorite artists, Caravaggio.

Born in 1999 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Cosimo shared his early experiences growing up on the streets with his brother after their aunt couldn’t care for them. His childhood was marked by trauma—stealing food to survive, dodging the police, and even being held in jail as a young child. Eventually, his aunt placed him and his brother in an orphanage, which he described as feeling more like a prison, filled with neglect and corruption. Despite the darkness, he found ways to cope, developing an ability to read people’s emotions—a survival skill that still serves him today.

At eight years old, Cosimo was adopted by an Italian couple. He remembers the moment he met them vividly—his father’s tears, his mother’s short haircut—and the surreal experience of suddenly being thrust into a new world. But life in Italy wasn’t the “heaven” he’d imagined. Adjusting to material comforts, learning to “be a child” after years of forced adulthood, and struggling to trust his new family were all part of his journey.

We talked about how he eventually formed strong bonds with his adoptive parents, who he’s grown to love deeply as they earned his trust and became a constant source of support over the years. Cosimo also formed strong connections with other important people in his life, like his babysitters, who became like family and introduced him to Italian culture through music. School brought its own challenges—learning a new language, trying to fit in—but over time, he discovered a love for literature and poetry.

Perhaps the most profound part of our conversation was Cosimo’s reflection on identity. Growing up, he tried to distance himself from his Ethiopian roots to fit in, leaving him feeling disconnected and lost—an experience many adoptees can relate to. His story is a powerful reminder of the silent battles adoptees face when it comes to belonging, identity, and healing from past wounds.

This episode speaks to the real, unfiltered adoptee experience—beyond the surface-level narratives we often hear. Cosimo’s resilience, honesty, and insight left me deeply moved—I know it will do the same for you. Because truly, amor vincit omnia. 

xoxo - Lidet 

In this first episode of 2025, I had the honor of virtually sitting down with Cosimo Naldi, an Ethiopian adoptee raised and living in Italy. This conversation was raw, emotional, and deeply eye-opening. Cosimo’s story goes beyond adoption—it’s about survival, identity, and the complex layers that shape adoptee experiences. It’s not defined by trauma alone; it’s also about how love can be a solution, because amor vincit omnia, or “love conquers all,” which is not only Cosimo’s favorite phrase but also the title of a painting by one of my favorite artists, Caravaggio.

Born in 1999 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Cosimo shared his early experiences growing up on the streets with his brother after their aunt couldn’t care for them. His childhood was marked by trauma—stealing food to survive, dodging the police, and even being held in jail as a young child. Eventually, his aunt placed him and his brother in an orphanage, which he described as feeling more like a prison, filled with neglect and corruption. Despite the darkness, he found ways to cope, developing an ability to read people’s emotions—a survival skill that still serves him today.

At eight years old, Cosimo was adopted by an Italian couple. He remembers the moment he met them vividly—his father’s tears, his mother’s short haircut—and the surreal experience of suddenly being thrust into a new world. But life in Italy wasn’t the “heaven” he’d imagined. Adjusting to material comforts, learning to “be a child” after years of forced adulthood, and struggling to trust his new family were all part of his journey.

We talked about how he eventually formed strong bonds with his adoptive parents, who he’s grown to love deeply as they earned his trust and became a constant source of support over the years. Cosimo also formed strong connections with other important people in his life, like his babysitters, who became like family and introduced him to Italian culture through music. School brought its own challenges—learning a new language, trying to fit in—but over time, he discovered a love for literature and poetry.

Perhaps the most profound part of our conversation was Cosimo’s reflection on identity. Growing up, he tried to distance himself from his Ethiopian roots to fit in, leaving him feeling disconnected and lost—an experience many adoptees can relate to. His story is a powerful reminder of the silent battles adoptees face when it comes to belonging, identity, and healing from past wounds.

This episode speaks to the real, unfiltered adoptee experience—beyond the surface-level narratives we often hear. Cosimo’s resilience, honesty, and insight left me deeply moved—I know it will do the same for you. Because truly, amor vincit omnia.

Part two of our conversation drops next week. You don’t want to miss it.

xoxo - Lidet 

Heyy everyone! In this new episode, I am joined by Habtamu Isaacson who shares his powerful adoption story. Adopted at the age of 9 in 2010 by a family in Minnesota, Habtamu reveals the challenging realities behind his adoption, rooted in the corruption of the Ethiopian adoption system. His grandmother, whom he loved dearly, was coerced into giving him up under false pretenses—a heartbreaking truth many adoptees share.

Habtamu discusses the often-ignored aspects of adoption that adoptive families and society fail to acknowledge, despite the outcry from adoptees. He opens up about the emotional, psychological, and physical abuse he endured from those who were seen and reinforced as "saviors." Sadly, as Habtamu recounts, it was these very "saviors" who manipulated the imbalance of power, creating chaos, isolation, and deceit.

In our conversation, Habtamu reflects on how his adoptive parents impacted his relationships with his biological sister, siblings, and friends, and how he struggled to navigate a new and unfamiliar world with limited support and resources. His story is a testament to his incredible bravery, resilience, and unshakable determination. Despite the difficulties he faced, Habtamu's journey is one of hope and faith, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, things can and will improve.

I am incredibly grateful to Habtamu for his vulnerability and strength to share his story. His courage is truly inspiring. Thank you, Habtamu!

Heyy everyone! In this new episode, I am joined by Habtamu Isaacson who shares his powerful adoption story. Adopted at the age of 9 in 2010 by a family in Minnesota, Habtamu reveals the challenging realities behind his adoption, rooted in the corruption of the Ethiopian adoption system. His grandmother, whom he loved dearly, was coerced into giving him up under false pretenses—a heartbreaking truth many adoptees share.

Habtamu discusses the often-ignored aspects of adoption that adoptive families and society fail to acknowledge, despite the outcry from adoptees. He opens up about the emotional, psychological, and physical abuse he endured from those who were seen and reinforced as "saviors." Sadly, as Habtamu recounts, it was these very "saviors" who manipulated the imbalance of power, creating chaos, isolation, and deceit.

In our conversation, Habtamu reflects on how his adoptive parents impacted his relationships with his biological sister, siblings, and friends, and how he struggled to navigate a new and unfamiliar world with limited support and resources. His story is a testament to his incredible bravery, resilience, and unshakable determination. Despite the difficulties he faced, Habtamu's journey is one of hope and faith, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, things can and will improve.

I am incredibly grateful to Habtamu for his vulnerability and strength to share his story. His courage is truly inspiring. Thank you, Habtamu!

Hey everyone, meet our next guest Ashenafi (Ash) Stuart! Ashenafi is an 18-year-old Ethiopian adoptee from Maryland, who was adopted when he was just 5 months old. In this episode, Ash expresses his appreciation for adoption, his openness to adopt one day himself, and the many figures who have helped him become the black man he is today. We also discuss the importance of black role models, being secure in your blackness/identity, and how geography and race can impact adoptee experiences. Ash also talks about his visit back to Ethiopia in 2019, and how that affected his life and his perspective as an adoptee living in America. Stating "there's no bone in my body that wants to be white", Ash coveys his gratitude for adoption and his adoptive parent's active steps in ensuring he had Black mentors growing up. He also stresses the importance of acknowledging race within transracial families because "you have to treat your child like who they are" for them to establish an authentic sense of identity. Ash's story provides a great new addition to those who have come before to establish how the Ethiopian adoptee experience truly exists on a spectrum. The interview also includes a lot of laughs as we share stories about our process of finding/securing our identity as black individuals more generally. Thank you Ash for coming on, being genuine, and sharing your experience as an Ethiopian adoptee. As always, feel free to reach out to me if you want to share your story at [email protected]. 

xoxoxo - Lidet 

(Kassaye & Aselefetch - Interview Part 2)

Hey heyy everyone and welcome to SEASON 2! I am so excited to kick off the new season with an amazing interview with the editors and contributors of, Lions Roaring Far From Home: An Anthology by Ethiopian Adoptees, Kassaye Berhanu-MacDonald and Aselefech Evans!!! These two incredible Ethiopian adoptee women have paved the way for political and social change in the many issues surrounding the transracial international adoption of Ethiopian children. The conversation is organic, honest, and adoptee-centered. Kassaye and Aselefch bring a priceless perspective to the discussion about the corruption within the Ethiopian adoption system, the intent versus the effects, and the ongoing battles that adoptees face. What better way to get an insight into Ethiopian adoptee experiences than hearing from them directly, from all around the world?! We discuss the events that led to the publication of, Lions Roaring Far From Home: An Anthology by Ethiopian Adoptees and its impact. The Anthology includes writers, ages 8 to over 50, from Sweden, France, Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, and the US. Thirty-three (33) unique, emotional, and complex essays are included and they illuminate how Ethiopian adoptee experiences truly exist on a spectrum, and it's not an experience that is easy to define. 

If you would like a copy of the book, kindly go to https://www.lionsroaringbook.com/. 

As always, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or through the podcast Instagram page, ethiopianadopteesuu.  

Until next time, bye-bye. 

xoxo Lidet