transracial adoption

Transnational transracial adoption can add a layer of complication to the identity journey of an adoptee. A.D. Herzel is an internationally recognized artist, educator, designer, writer. She is also a Korean adoptee who explores her identity and creates community through her art. Herzel grew up in a deeply religious household. Her adopted parents were part of the peak of Americans adopting children orphaned during the Korean American War. The origin of this type of adoption traces back to when Harry Holt and his wife Bertha adopted 8 Korean orphans from Korea in 1956.

On July 9th, 2012, my life changed forever. My family welcomed my beautiful baby brother through an open, transracial adoption. While my experience differs from that of my parents and his birth mother, I believe my fears are the same. […]