18. Allowing Transnational and Transracial Adoptees to Define Their Own Paths Towards Identity with Milton Washington
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Overview
***This episode contains themes of self harm, some mild language, and other concepts that may be sensitive to listeners.***
Milton Washington leads a number of ventures as he shares a powerful narrative of an identity formed through transnational and transracial experiences. In this episode, he sheds light on the unique origin to his story, and how he learned to grow into his own identity with pride. Listeners will be challenged in this episode as Milton bravely gives testimony to the parts of his adoption narrative that allowed him to find his place in his family. This episode provides excellent context to the complexities of the human experience, and offers an invitation for parents to understand their children as they best receive security and love.
“I think children need structure, but balance with that structure. They also need to know that they are unconditionally loved.”
“Once I got adopted to this family, you know, in some kind of weird, odd way, I kind of came home to blackness. I got adopted by a black family where I was already black and now was almost kind of free to just be.”
“Lean into your differences, because it's the differences that really set you apart and can really make you stand out in this world.”
Episode Highlights
1:53 - An introduction to Milton Washington and his story
11:15 - Exploring identity and value as a transracial adoptee
19:28 - Family culture and fitting in
27:17 - Milton’s advice for adoptive parents
35:10 - What it might mean to help vulnerable children
44:55 - Follow Milton’s projects
Links
Kindred Exchange - Become a monthly donor to support this show and our mission
Think Orphan - Learn more and listen to the podcast
Rokmil Studios - Check out Milton’s work
Connect with Lauren
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Connect with Milton