Gaslighting at its finest

Something really gross happened this morning. In a comment, someone resorted to gaslighting and claimed my advocacy is the reason why no one is lining up to adopt from foster care–they’ll gladly wait years for that “blank-slate” newborn. I don’t have enough empathy. I’m too judgmental.

For adopted people, there is almost always an element of feeling unwanted, unloved, and unworthy. It was especially triggering to have someone consider me those things and consider my advocacy as the reason no one wants to help foster care youth.

I know they’re just words and illogical. But when you’re triggered, you don’t think about what’s logical or realistic.

I’m not sharing this so you feel sorry for me. I’m sharing this so you see just how much backlash there is when adult adoptees share their perspectives. That’s how broken the system is. The system created us, and now that we have opinions of our own, the system doesn’t want anything to do with us.

Recognize that many people would prefer to remain ignorant because becoming enlightened about a broken system means that they’d need to be a part of the change. Support adult adoptees. Help us show the world that are voices are valid and needed.