"I was always trying to fit in and chameleon wherever I was." -- Bethany Fraser

Transcript

Read this episode's transcript: https://app.swellai.com/t/tp_01HR5W5M78X0PE4FV5GJNREW2AIn this episode of Unraveling Adoption, host Beth Syverson welcomes guest Bethany Fraser, an adoptee and host of The Adoptee Diaries podcast. The conversation delves into the complexities of adoption, focusing on the impact of secrets and identity issues within the adoption experience.

Bethany shares her personal journey of discovering her biracial identity in her 40s, after a secret about her ethnicity was kept from her by her adoptive parents. The discussion explores the emotional and psychological effects of this deception on Bethany's identity, psyche, and relationships.

Throughout the episode, Bethany reflects on her experience as an adoptee, highlighting the importance of truth, trust, and transparency in adoption. She emphasizes the need for adoptive parents to be open and honest with their children about their origins and ethnicity, to foster a sense of belonging and self-awareness.

The conversation is candid and heartfelt, with both hosts sharing their vulnerabilities and insights into the complexities of adoption. Beth and Bethany aim to create a space for adoptees to share their stories and find support within the adoption community.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Find Bethany's podcast The Adoptee Diaries on your favorite podcast app or through this link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adoptee-diaries-truth-trust-and-transparency/id1687716450

• Find Bethany on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/theadopteediaries/

• Read an essay Bethany wrote for Barker Adoption Foundation: https://www.barkeradoptionfoundation.org/adoption-resources/barker-blog/adoptee%E2%80%99s-experience-family-fortitude-forgiveness-story-searching

Other Resources

• APtitude Support Group for Adoptive Parents Facing Adoption’s Challenges: UnravelingAdoption.com/APtitude

• Other Parents Like Me - oplm.com 

• Heather Ross - Life Coaching for Parents who have a child struggling with addiction: https://heatherrosscoaching.com/

Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson
Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao
Email questions or comments to Beth@UnravelingAdoption.com

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeSupport Unraveling Adoption on Patreon: Patreon.com/UnravelingAdoptionCheck out our website: www.UnravelingAdoption.comCreate your own podcast through Libsyn: https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=ADOPTION

TIME STAMPS:

00:00:02 - Introduction to Unraveling Adoption
00:01:33 - Early Awareness of Adoption and Ethnicity
00:03:33 - Early Interactions with Other Adoptees
00:05:12 - Questioning Ethnic Identity
00:07:05 - Reflecting on Parents' Motivations
00:09:47 - Prompt to Discover Ethnicity
00:11:22 - Ancestry DNA Results Revealed
00:12:44 - Unpacking Cultural Layers
00:14:07 - Curiosity and Self-Identity
00:15:03 - Impact Before Discovering Truth
00:16:08 - Masking True Self
00:17:44 - Feeling Displaced
00:18:27 - Seeking Community and Support
00:20:30 - Advice for Adoptive Parents
00:22:37 - Discovery of Parents' Knowledge
00:24:04 - Emotional Impact of Revelation
00:25:37 - Launch of The Adoptee Diaries
00:27:31 - Encouragement for Adoptive Parents
00:29:08 - Call to Share and Support Unraveling Adoption