Unpacking Adoption w/ Henry: Identity, Community, and Healing

Episode Summary:

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.

In this episode, we cover:

(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 

Call To Action:

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Resources:

• Black Adoptee Facebook Group 

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Editing by Samuel Oyedele (Editor)

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