Sexuality and Adoption: Insights from a Transracial Adoptee and Sex Therapist

"For me, sexual and reproductive health or our sexuality is so connected with attraction, with attachment style, with self-esteem, with the wish for connecting and creating long-term bonds." -- Anna Linde

Read the transcript: https://app.swellai.com/t/tp_01HVN38Q94D5ZXH9GR708NDX4E

Podcast Episode Synopsis:

In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the pleasure of speaking with Anna Linde, a transracial adoptee and a sex therapist. Anna shared her unique perspective on the intersection of adoption and sexuality, shedding light on the complexities and challenges adoptees face in this area.

Anna, who was adopted from Brazil to Sweden at just six weeks old, grew up as one of the few Black children in her community. She discussed the impact of the "white gaze" on her self-perception and how it influenced her views on intimacy and relationships.

Throughout the conversation, Anna highlighted the importance of addressing shame, anxiety, and boundaries in adoptees' sexual identities. She emphasized the need for adoptive parents to create a safe space for their children to explore healthy boundaries and navigate their sexuality with confidence.

The discussion delved into the role of cultural stereotypes in shaping adoptees' sexual experiences and the challenges of navigating relationships in a society that often perpetuates harmful norms. Anna shared personal anecdotes and insights from her work as a sex therapist, offering valuable perspectives on how adoptees can cultivate a positive relationship with their bodies and sexuality.

Towards the end of the episode, we announced an upcoming webinar on June 5 which will be led by Anna, focusing on sexual and reproductive health for adoptees. The webinar aims to provide adoptive parents and caretakers with valuable insights and tools to support their children in developing healthy attitudes towards sexuality.

Overall, this episode provided a thought-provoking exploration of the complex dynamics at the intersection of adoption and sexuality, offering valuable guidance and insights for adoptees and adoptive parents alike. Anna's expertise and personal experiences added depth and nuance to the conversation, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues within the adoption community.

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RESOURCES:

Anna’s  information:

• Find Anna on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-linde-08264692/

• Find Anna on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lindes_therapy/

• Here’s Anna’s Linktree with more resources: https://linktr.ee/lindestherapy

Other Resources:

• APtitude Support Group for Adoptive Parents Facing Adoption’s Challenges: UnravelingAdoption.com/APtitude

• Other Parents Like Me - oplm.com 

• Heather Ross - Life Coaching for Parents who have a child struggling with addiction: https://heatherrosscoaching.com/

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Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson

Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao

Email questions or comments to [email protected]

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Check out our website: www.UnravelingAdoption.com

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Timestamps:

00:00:02 - Introduction to the podcast and guest, Anna Linde 00:05:39 - Discussion on the white gaze and self-identity 00:07:49 - Impact of body image on sexuality 00:10:17 - Common sexual problems among adoptees 00:14:18 - Stereotypical sexual ideas related to race 00:18:47 - Importance of conscious work in dissecting adoption issues 00:21:34 - Advice for adoptive parents on building healthier sexual identities for children 00:25:49 - Availability of the guest, Anna Linde, for online coaching 00:27:28 - Announcement of upcoming webinar on sexual and reproductive health for adoptees on June 5, 2024