What Transracial Adoptive Parents Need to Know

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! 

For this episode, I am joined by an adult adoptee who is starting to share his story and educate parents on what it means to have a transracial adoption: Michael Gaither. Michael Gaither was born in 1972 and immediately given to white parents who lived in a predominantly white suburb in Nebraska. Growing up, Michael felt completely out of place and struggled with feeling emotionally secure at home, and especially at school – getting teased constantly for looking so different from everyone else. He had anger issues, would sneak food at night, and when he finally did meet other black kids like him, he didn’t know how to connect with them. He felt completely lost. 

Flash forward to today, things are much different than the 70s when it comes to diversity and culture, but there is still so much that parents need to know. For myself, with an adopted Marshalleese child, I deeply want to make sure my child knows she is safe and loved and can embrace her roots. That is why I am so glad Michael shares his story with us and we discuss ways parents can create a healthy, safe dynamic with their kids in exploring who they are. 

Let’s dive in! 

Key topics in this episode: 

• The experience of being a transracial adoptee and feeling of not fitting in
• The importance of understanding and discussing race and identity in adoptive families
• Strategies for parents to create safe and inclusive environments
• The significance of representation and role models for Black children
• The process and emotional impact of reuniting with biological family
• The need for ongoing education and intentionality in adoption

Learn more about Michael and his book, https://beyondthemomentadoptionstudio.com/book 

To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! 

You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. 

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Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: https://www.christianparenting.org/