CounterStory
Media
adoptēre
Adoptēre is a space for adoptees, by adoptees. We publish the words of adoptees (and first mothers) to bring awareness to the brutalities, trauma, and human rights violations of the institution of adoption as it is currently practiced in the United States.
The current narrative of adoption that exists in the United States is demonstrably false and immensely harmful. Millions of children have been taken from their biological mothers over the past century and placed in adoptive homes, which were frequently abusive.
Their names were changed, their identities stripped, and their core rights and humanity denied. When they reached adulthood, many were dismayed to realize that those rights weren't just curtailed for their youth, but forever. Adult adoptees have been denied their original birth certificates for decades. Only now are states rolling back these inhumane laws and "allowing" adoptees to obtain their original birth certificates, and with them, their true identities.
Reading and listening to the lived experiences of adoptees and first mothers is hard. We get that. Our stories defy the traditional, saccharine, 'feel-good' narrative around adoption. It's tough to reconcile the two.
Yes, children who are born into inherently abusive or neglectful environments must be protected. Legal Guardianship is a model most developed nations have adopted (since 1989, officially) as a way of ensuring these children are cared for while still maintaining and protecting their core human rights and dignity.
All we ask... is that you read and listen with an open mind. Remember these are real people, sharing their real experiences, and their reality trumps any narrative you'd heard from those who have not experienced this.
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We want to share
your stories
If you are an adoptee or a first mother, we would be honored to share your story.
We can publish it on the Medium publication.
We can publish here on CounterStory Media.
We can broadcast your recording on our podcast, The Light at the Other Side.
We can read your story aloud on the podcast.
Our stories are what have and will change the narrative and push forward progress to audit the institution of adoption and restructure the way our nation cares for its most vulnerable citizens.
Many of us have kept secrets for years, many decades, even. The truth needs to be heard. The truth will shine a light for future generations of children and young women. The truth can be a healing balm.
Are you ready to share your truth?
Print Edition
Adoptere is collecting submissions for a print journal to be released during National Adoption Awareness Month (November). We hope to provide nuance and context to the discussion as the world celebrates adoption.
To inquire about submitting a piece for publication online, click here.
To inquire about submitting a piece for publication in our print journal, click here.
To inquire about submitting a piece for broadcast on our podcast, click here.