Race Matters: A Conversation about Transracial Adoption and Multiracial Families

Being able to talk about race is an important life skill for all parents, but especially for parents raising multiracial families. When a family adopts a child of a different race, questions about race and racism cannot be avoided. On this episode of Early Risers, host Dianne Haulcy speaks with transracial adoption expert Beth Hall, co-author of “Inside Transracial Adoption” and executive director of Pact, An Adoption Alliance in Oakland, California. Hall also has personal experience with transracial adoption, as the white adoptive parent of two adult children both born in the United States—a son who is African American and a daughter with roots in Guatemala. Through her personal and professional experiences, Hall has gathered valuable insights and advice for anyone who wants to talk about race with young children.Episode Resources:Beth Hall is co-author of “Inside Transracial Adoption,” originally published in 2000 and revised in 2013. The book was specifically written for the parents of transracially adopted children.Pact has a comprehensive resource library with links to articles and videos covering a wide range of topics addressing transracial adoption, including language and strategies for talking about race.Hall talks about the importance of lifting up the voices of transracial adoptees. Pact produced a 20-minute video documentary, “Adoptees Speak,” featuring the personal stories and reflections of transracially adopted youth.Download the discussion guide here: https://files.apmcdn.org/production/87265b0aac505a689fea3763c785f074.pdf