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Henry

What happens when a Black child is adopted into a white Mormon family? 

The Mormon church silenced Henry's identity as a Black transracial adoptee, but he's done being quiet. From "colorblind" racism to the weight of forced gratitude, he exposes the ugly truth behind his adoption.

We explore the impact of media representation, the importance of acknowledging adoptee anger, and why abolishing the current system might be the only way forward.

Henry shares his journey of finding community with other adoptees and reclaiming his voice.

"My life was really to fill this hole in my parents' life instead of my parents being there to raise children.

What we discussed 

(00:22) Who is Henry? 

(01:48) Coming out of the fog

(03:52) Adopted through the mormon church 

(06:34) Growing up with adopted sisters 

(08:26) Adoptees vs. adoptive parents on This is Us OR Adoptees vs. Adoptive parents on TV

(13:23) Expectation of gratefulness OR “I want someone to love me”

(20:26) Being allowed to feel & express

(23:21) Alternatives to family policing OR Mind your own business

(26:02) Relationship with adoptive parents while being abolitionist 

(32:27) Find your inner voice 

Links

Black Adoptee Facebook Group 

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Credits

Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at [email protected]