19. Understanding the Power of Racial Identity for Transracial Adoptees with Angela Tucker
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Overview
Angela Tucker has been a long-time trusted voice in the space of transracial adoption. As an advocate for children growing up in foster and adoptive homes, she shares her own experience of finding her safest place amongst others who were raised apart from their birth families.
Angela facilitates the connection of a vibrant adoptee community full of teens and adults who share a unique journey to finding themselves and their identity. This episode is a critical listen for any parents who have adopted or fostered children of a racial heritage different from their own.
“It's really hard to express a feeling of not completely belonging to parents who are doing the best to give us everything they can.”
“I remember the sense of just being able to let my guard down and not worrying that I would have to explain myself to everybody. I just felt like I could just be in that place.”
“I just don't think it's realistic for two parents or a single parent to be everything a child needs nor do I think that's healthy. I think it's really healthy for children to have exposure to lots of different adults who care for them.”
Episode Highlights
2:00 - An introduction to Angela Tucker
4:46 - Blindspots for adoptive parents and for society
9:55 - Angela’s book title and the language of “should”
12:02 - Expansive family and community models
19:53 - Entering spaces of racial majority and considering identity
26:48 - Angela’s experience in finding her birth family
31:19 - Exploring a sense of belonging and “third culture”
34:48 - The love and trauma realities of adoption
40:34 - Angela’s work with adoptees
Links
Kindred Exchange - Become a monthly donor to support this show and our mission
Think Orphan - Learn more and listen to the podcast
Angela’s Website - Learn more about Angela's work
You Should Be Grateful Book - Order Angela's book today
Adoptee Mentoring Society - Virtual mentorship for adoptees — by adoptees
Angela’s podcast - Tune into Angela's podcast as she interviews adoptees from all backgrounds in an effort to shift societal perceptions
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