Surveillance, Saviors, and Screens: Media & Adoption with J Way

In this episode of Adoptees Crossing Lines, Zaira is joined by her editor, cinephile, and dear friend J Way. Together, they dive into how adoption narratives are portrayed in film and television, from tropes like the “grateful orphan” to more realistic depictions of systemic harm. J Way shares their experience as a transracial adoptee, the cultural erasure they endured, and the healing power of chosen family, storytelling, and visual media. This powerful conversation unpacks the surveillance, silence, and saviorism that often surround adoption—and what it means to reclaim your story through art and truth.

In this episode, we cover:

(00:28) J Way’s story: growing up adopted with two sisters in a white household
 (03:11) Surveillance, culture loss, and being banned from speaking Spanish
 (05:33) How film became a safe space and helped process adoption trauma
 (08:49) Media critiques: from Queen’s Gambit tropes to Atlanta’s searing truths
(14:52) Social media, saviorism, and adoption propaganda
(31:38) Love beyond biology: Zaira’s documentary vision on family policing
(37:33) The harm and manipulation of “open” adoptions
(47:07) “It’s not about blood”: media rhetoric, savior narratives, and erasure

Call To Action:

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• Website: adopteescrossinglines.com
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• TikTok: @adopteescrossinglines_
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Connect with J Way:

• TikTok: @its_yagirl_jway
• Bluesky: @itsjway.bsky.social

Work With Me:

Email [e-mail] for brand partnerships, sponsorships, or collaboration inquiries.

Editing by J Way

Special thanks to J Way for editing this episode. To collaborate with her, email [e-mail].