Adoptee Storytelling & Film Advocacy In this episode of Adoptees Crossing Lines, Zaira sits down with Alexandra, a British and American domestic transracial adoptee who grew up in her birth country of Hong Kong. Alexandra is the festival director of the Adoptee Film Fest , a global in-person and online film festival amplifying adoptee-centered films by adoptee filmmakers. They discuss her journey of navigating identity, community, and storytelling, and how the Adoptee Film Fest came to be. Alexandra shares her experience of growing up in a segregated society, her birth search, and the importance of creating adoptee-centered spaces in media. In this episode, we cover: (00:20) Introduction to Alexandra and her background as a British and American domestic transracial adoptee. (03:13) The impact of growing up in Hong Kong and navigating identity in a segregated society. (10:19) Alexandra’s birth search journey and the challenges of finding community and validation. (20:27) The inception of the Adoptee Film Fest and its importance for the adoptee community. (27:37) The role of storytelling and community building through film. (38:03) Alexandra’s reflections on adoptee representation in media and future plans for the Adoptee Film Fest. Call To Action: Subscribe to Adoptees Crossing Lines wherever you listen to podcasts, follow us on social media, and subscribe to our Substack for more content and community: Website: adopteescrossinglines.com Instagram: @adopteescrossinglines BlueSky: adopteecrossing.bsky.social TikTok: @adopteescrossinglines_ Substack: Adoptees Crossing Lines Substack Work With Me: Email adopteescrossinglines@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Editing by J. Way (AV Editor) Special thanks to J. Way for editing the podcast. To collaborate with her, email her at jwayedits@gmail.com .…

Root Work and Resilience: The Fight for Black Families In this episode of Adoptees Crossing Lines , Zaira sits down with Tamara and Tracey Robertson, sisters, healers, and advocates serving as Healers in Residence with Movement for Family Power. Together, they discuss their journey of resisting the harms of the family policing system, while centering Black birth traditions, ancestral wisdom, and community healing. From childhood foundations of faith and service to their powerful doula work, this conversation is a testament to the resilience and power of Black families protecting their own. In this episode, we cover: (03:03) What led Tamara and Tracey to do the healing work they do today. (07:41) Their introduction to the family policing system and how it fueled their advocacy. (16:02) Tamara’s story of caring for her brother and keeping him out of the system. (22:04) Doula work and challenges Black families face during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. (32:10) The erasure of Black birth traditions and the need for advocacy in hospital settings. (39:32) What it means to be a Healer in Residence with Movement for Family Power and disrupting the family policing system through love and community. Call To Action: Subscribe to Adoptees Crossing Lines wherever you listen to podcasts, follow us on social media, and subscribe to our Substack for more content and community: Website: adopteescrossinglines.com Instagram: @adopteescrossinglines BlueSky: adopteecrossing.bsky.social TikTok: @adopteescrossinglines_ Substack: Adoptees Crossing Lines Substack Connect with Tamara Robertson: Instagram: @queeeentam Email: healer@movementforfamilypower.org Movement for Family Power: movementforfamilypower.org Listen to these episodes next: Alan’s Episode : An insightful conversation with Alan, an abolitionist and advocate deeply rooted in efforts to dismantle the family policing system. Alan shares their journey of understanding the harmful impacts of the system, their personal experiences, and their vision for transformative change. Dorothy Roberts’ Episode : A powerful interview with Dorothy Roberts, acclaimed scholar and author of Torn Apart . Dorothy discusses the historical and present-day harms of the family policing system, offering a compelling argument for abolition and highlighting how systemic racism continues to harm Black families. Work With Me: Email adopteescrossinglines@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Editing by J. Way (AV Editor) Special thanks to J. Way for editing the podcast. To collaborate with her, email her at jwayedits@gmail.com.…

In this episode, we explore the complexities of adoption, privilege, and the narratives that shape our understanding of family. Through personal stories and critical reflections, we unpack the ways in which adoption is often framed as an unquestionable good while overlooking the systemic issues at play. We discuss the intersection of race, class, and power in adoption, the impact on adoptees, and the importance of centering their voices. This conversation challenges dominant narratives and invites listeners to consider the broader implications of adoption beyond individual experiences.…

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Send us a text Keshia The child welfare system is waging war on Black families, and Keshia Adeniyi-Dorsey is on the front lines. In this episode, she shares her journey from foster child to family defender, exposing the racist roots of CPS and the urgent need for change. Keisha breaks down her tactics for protecting families during CPS investigations, from refusing home entry to shutting down fishing expeditions. Her success rates are fantastic: 95.8% of parental rights protected and 93.7% of families reunified. "We already know, and we've already done in the past, like, right? Like, took care of ourselves, we took care of everybody else's kids too, right? We don't need the system to do it." What we discussed (00:23) Meet Keshia Adeniyi-Dorsey (01:37) Adoptions and Safe Families Act (06:08) Reality of CPS investigations (12:17) Protecting families during CPS investigations (17:11) Reuniting 93.7% of families (23:46) Challenges of advocating for families OR Dealing with incompetence (28:56) We don’t need police for that OR The color of the system OR Black families don’t need CPS OR We don’t need help OR Not everyone needs help (35:33) Affording counsel (43:39) Truth to power Links Connect with Keshia: Website | LinkedIn Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Send us a text Benjamin Words matter. Especially when it comes to adoption. Benjamin Lundberg Torres Sanchez isn't just "adopted" - they were separated from their first family for 28 years. In this episode, we unpack how the language we use shapes our understanding of adoption. Benjamin shares their journey of rejecting industry terminology and embracing more accurate descriptions of their experience. We discuss how this shift in language opens up new possibilities for solidarity and political action. "I think it's just really important to name what happened to us." What we discussed (00:22) Who is Benjamin Lundberg Torres Sanchez? (01:41) Conceived in violence (04:58) Adoption day (07:23) Good experiences but still angry OR Good vs. bad adoptions (10:10) Learning to think critically about adoption OR Language of adoption (14:35) Being hungry for community OR Availability of light skinned children (18:56) Not only focusing on adoptees OR Adoptees are not alone (26:46) Organized abandonment (28:30) We Are Holding This Magazine (37:46) Intersectionality vs. isolation (44:12) Finding alternative power brokers OR Finding power brokers (48:14) Get curious (51:32) Support Benjamin Links We Are Holding This Magazine Benjamin’s website Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok…

Send us a text 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 Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Send us a text Fai Knudson Fai Knudson grew up in a white, conservative town, always feeling different. As a biracial, transracial adoptee, Faye faced racism and isolation. Leaving their hometown ignited a journey of self-discovery, leading to advocacy and therapy focused on adoptee mental health. In this episode, Fai shares their powerful story, the challenges of being a transracial adoptee, and how they now help others navigate similar paths. What we discussed (00:18) Who is Fai Knudson? (04:05) Feeling different (05:32) Not allowed to read adoption paperwork (06:30) Coming out of the fog (09:11) Studying adoption for master’s (13:53) Adoptee therapists (21:32) Adoptee care is neglected (28:12) Story behind “Good Faith Therapy” (33:20) Support for adoptees (35:01) Genetic graveyard (36:24) Finding an adoptee affirming therapist (39:34) Partial reunion (47:54) Finding your authentic self Links Connect with Fai Knudson: LinkedIn Good Faith Therapy Website | Good Faith Therapy Instagram Peer Support Space Grow Beyond Words Journey of The Adopted Self Psychology Today Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Send us a text 1 Year of No Contact It's been 365 days since I cut ties with my adopters to protect myself. A year of healing, self-discovery, and finding my voice. In this episode, I share my no contact journey, the reasons behind my decision, the process of healing, and the freedom I’ve found. Hear my story of setting boundaries, seeking safety, and reclaiming my identity. What we discussed (00:24) 1 year of no contact (01:50) “but they’re your parents” OR Expectation to be grateful (04:17) How I felt after no contact (06:21) Family policing gaslit me (11:20) Forgiveness as a weapon (14:36) Becoming free, finally (18:01) Getting tattoos (& my favorite one) (20:26) Being able to grieve my mom (30:56) Healing by finding biological family (34:38) Stealing me from my mom (36:12) #1 reason for child removal (39:43) Why I do this work Links Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Send us a text Amanda Wallace Amanda Wallace helps families powerfully stop Child Protective Services from stealing their children. In this episode she talk about how you can do it too, how her organization reunited 20+ families, and why we should abolish the belief that the CPS system should even exist. Listen and let’s stop CPS. What we discussed (00:22) Who is Amanda Wallace? (01:25) Why she wants to stop CPS - Child Protective Services (05:16) Why are you in my house?! (06:32) Repealing the Child Abuse Prevention & Treatment Act + Adoption & Safe Familis Act (08:12) How to respond to CPS (11:29) Reuniting 20 families (15:32) Reparations are not enough (18:08) Black Mother’s March (Collective power) (23:07) Drug testing a birth & Interrogating children (24:42) Creative collabs for collective action (26:50) How can you stop CPS? (33:07) Freedom can happen in our lifetime OR Freedom is not complicated Links Respond In Power Guide Black Mother’s March Twisted Yogi Connect with Amanda Wallace: Stop CPS Website | Instagram | Tiktok Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Send us a text Adoption is Not A Part Of God’s Plan People who adopt say it’s God’s plan for them to adopt. But, they almost never say that God’s plan is for them NOT to have children. This is just one of the many ways people use religion to justify human trafficking. I found out, through an archived article, that I was trafficked by the Church through the One Church, One Child movement which operates in 32 states. What we discussed (00:22) Is adoption God’s plan? (04:23) Forcing adoptees to go to church OR “Go to church or leave” (11:53) Making adoptees mini versions of them (13:04) Telling my adoptive parents I’m stepping away from the church (14:51) One Church, One Child business (20:36) The church trafficked me (28:39) Orphan sundays (30:07) Church preaches family separation (hypocritical?) (34:24) Forced assimilation (36:13) Adoption is not God’s plan Links Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Send us a text Mila's Truth: Navigating Adoption, Liberation, and Community The Church does an excellent job of silencing you if you oppose them. They’d even hire a marketing company to rebrand adoption so that their business as adoption middlemen can continue to thrive. But, it’s not just the Church. The dominant culture is to silence anyone who speaks up against adoption. To make them feel shame. To gaslight them. That was Mila Konomos’ experience once she realized how adoption has wounded her. Mila tells her story of how she was forcibly removed from her family in 1975 to the realization in 2009 that everything she thought she knew about adoption was a lie. She discusses how reuniting with her biological parents changed everything, how similar she realized she was hto her bio parents, grappling with her identity, the power of speaking up, and the cultural resistance against accepting the truth about adoption. Mila is the host of the podcast called Everything You Think You Know About Adoption Is A Lie. “If you don't change the narrative, then you can't change the policies.” What we discussed (00:22) Who is Mila Kanomos? (01:39) Being a (clueless) grateful adoptee (04:25) Realizing I’m actually wounded (06:00) “You had this information all of my life?!” (08:24) The Last Unicorn (12:55) Terrified of opposing adoption publicly (15:50) The Church is complicit (18:23) Propaganda around adoption (19:38) Surviving reunion (22:04) How do I become Korean? (25:39) Biological traits & connections (30:55) Everything you know about adoption is a lie (36:43) Church PAID to rebrand adoption (41:03) Centering adoptee narratives (44:47) Adoption IS oppression (49:03) What can you do about this? (55:51) You already know who you are Links Everything You Think You Know About Adoption Is A Lie Podcast Child Catchers by Catherine Joyce Connect with Mila: Instagram | Podcast Instagram Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Send us a text My Journey To Abolition Every adult in my childhood has failed me, none of them did what they’re supposed to. Every part of the system failed me…it did exactly what it’s supposed to. The system kills children and breaks families, it must be abolished. In this episode, I share how I gradually evolved towards this deep belief starting from a school trip to juvie when I was just 10. I talk about my encounters with the family policing system growing up and how it failed me. My story is not an is not an anomaly or an isolated incident. This is the experience of many children who are victims of the family policing system that they carry with them through adulthood. Abolition is a journey toward collective liberation, this is my journey so far… [CW: Sexual and Physical Abuse] What we discussed (00:22) Taking a trip to juvie at 10 years old (03:42) The system is NOT broken (04:42) [CW] Punished for speaking up about abuse (07:30) Losing faith in adoption, police, and the system OR My first encounter with family policing system (10:32) Going to school with bruises on my arm OR “You had a really good school year because DCF did not show up at my door” OR DCF shows up, I’m a disappointment OR DCF gets me in trouble (16:41) My adopters’ public facade OR Where my skepticism started OR Losing respect for authority (19:10) Suffering through therapy (21:40) Who are they protecting? OR Abolition is the only option (25:54) The system doesn’t care about children [CW: school shootings] OR They let alligators eat black babies (true story) (31:45) My journey with queerness OR Queers in evangelical homes Links Learn more about abolition: Alan Dettlaff Episode | Torn Apart by Dorothy Roberts Confronting the Racist Legacy of the American Child Welfare System By Alan Dettlaff 13th Documentary | The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Send us a text Josh Lamers Adoption is trauma. How do we help surviving children heal the wounds they’ve sustained from the child welfare system? Josh Lamers, a transracial adoptee, is public enemy #1 for child welfare agencies in Canada. He joins the show to discuss what adoption and child welfare are like in Canada; and how his organization, Collective of Child Welfare Survivors, advocates for child welfare survivors though addressing harm reduction, counseling, unpacking racial displacement, and community development…amongst many other things. “The child who's now back in your home is not the same child who was taken out of your home.” What we discussed (00:21) Who is Josh Lamers? (01:57) His transracial adoption experience OR “My adoption was illegal” (08:51) How child welfare works in Canada OR Adoption system in Canada (13:47) Insights from studying adoption OR What’s wrong with research about adoption (23:51) Psychiatric system and adoption (26:26) Disability and adoption (and why Josh’s adoption was illegal) (32:22) Myth of “unmanageable kids” (34:05) How they advocate for child welfare survivors (45:50) How to support child advocacy work Links Outsiders Within Collective of Child Welfare Survivors: Donate Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…