Adoptee Remembrance Day is commemorated annually on October 30th. It is a day to remember our adoptee friends who have died by suicide. On this day we also acknowledge the adopted people who are without citizenship in the very country they were taken to as infants or children. We think of those who have suffered abuse at the hands of their adoptive parents and grieve those who have been murdered by the people who promised to give them a safe home. We mourn with those of us who have buried pain through addictions and lost time through incarceration. On Adoptee Remembrance Day we validate the experiences of those who have had adoption disruptions and multiple placements. Today we recognize the disconnection and loss of all who identify as being separated from our families of origin, by no choice of our own.

This is the third annual Adoptee Remembrance Day and in previous years we have asked listeners to submit recordings of what the day meant to them. This year we recorded a live event with the Adoptee Voices writing groups and ten adoptee writers who are sharing a collection of their poetry and prose with us today. It was powerful and moving and deeply beautiful and filled with sorrow.

*Content warning: this episode contains mentions of suicide, self-harm, and other challenging topics

Show Notes

Full episode transcript here.

Recommended Resources

Adoptee Voices https://adoptee-voices.com/
Adoptee Voices E-Zine: https://adoptee-voices.com/ezine/
Adoptee Remembrance Day: https://adopteeremembranceday.com/
Register for Upcoming Writing Groups (starting November 1, 2022)
Previous Adoptees On - Adoptee Remembrance Day episodes: 160 and 194

Today’s Writers

Maya Holmes - A Day for the Forgotten and Broken-Hearted - Instagram
Christine Koubek Flynn - On Remembering Adoption -Twitter | Website
Marci Purcell - We Remember in our Bones -Twitter
Rebecca Cheek - Individually, Collectively
Roberta Holland - Happy Birthday
Adam Anthony - How do I really feel about all this? - Instagram - Website
Tina - Breathing Blue - Podcast Episode
Cynthia Landesberg - The Day They Say I Was Born -Website
Sandi Smith - Earthquake
Chae Ryan - [Untitled] - chae.ryan[at]icloud[dot]com

Connect With Us

Adoptee Voices: Instagram | adoptee-voices.com
Sara Easterly: saraeasterly.com | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Haley Radke: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
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This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing stated on it, either by its hosts or any guests, is to be construed as psychological, medical or legal advice. Please seek out professionals in those fields if you need those services. The views expressed by the hosts of Adoptees On or any guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organization or other person unless otherwise stated.