Adopting Privilege, Shifting the Narrative, and the Power of Truth with Dr. Abby Hasberry

What happens when the origin stories we are told growing up turn out to be folklore? In this powerful and deeply intimate conversation, host April Dinwoodie sits down with therapist, researcher, and author Dr. Abby Hasberry to unpack the layers of transracial adoption, identity, and the systemic complexities of the adoption constellation. Dr. Hasberry shares the vulnerable reality of discovering her true origin story later in life, navigating the unique space of being both an adopted person and a mother who relinquished a child as a teenager, and how these intersecting worlds informed her groundbreaking book, Adopting Privilege. Together, April and Dr. Hasberry dive into the concept of "identity preassignment," the profound impact of naming, and why moving away from transactional child welfare toward transformational, truth-centered love is essential for true healing. Updated Show Notes & Resources Key Takeaways From This Episode Folklore vs. Truth: The danger of fabricated adoption narratives and why anything less than the radical truth compromises the foundation of love. Identity Preassignment: How societal narratives can pre-program adopted individuals to assume specific roles within the adoption constellation before they even realize it. The Nuance of Privilege: Navigating the complex intersection of white adjacency, systemic barriers, and the lack of basic identity privileges (like access to original birth certificates). Reclaiming Space: Reclaiming personal geography, original naming legacies, and the importance of centering your own story. Resources & Links Mentioned Read the Book: Adopting Privilege by Dr. Abby Hasberry — Explore Dr. Hasberry's beautifully structured work on intersectionality, family legacy, and personal affirmations. - https://adoptingprivilege.com/about-dr-abby-hasberry Historical Context: National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) — Reference to the pivotal 1972 stance on transracial adoption and identity development. - https://www.nabsw.org/sites/default/files/2024-08/NABSW_Trans-Racial_Adoption_1972_Position_%28b%29.pdf Connect with the Host: Learn more about April's ongoing consulting, advocacy work, and initiatives via JuneinApril.com. - http://JuneinApril.com More About Dr. Abby Hasberry Dr. Abby Hasberry is a therapist, researcher, educator, and author who specializes in working with adopted persons and relinquishing mothers. After a successful career as a founding school principal, she returned to clinical and academic spaces to fill critical gaps in adoption-competent therapy for Black women. She is currently conducting research on adopted persons who have relinquished children and is developing an upcoming docuseries centering the lived experiences of the adoption constellation.