EP 23: Rejection to Reclamation: Patrick's Transracial Adoption Journey

Identity is not a destination but a journey, especially for transracial adoptees. In this Episode we are diving into the conversation around transracial and transcultural adoption. I am honored to host Patrick Samuel Young Armstrong, a multifaceted individual, a podcaster, speaker, creator and a new father. Patrick's journey as a Korean-American, transracial and transcultural adoptee is a profound exploration of identity and acceptance. From a childhood marked by rejection to a transformative awakening at 30, Patrick's story is one of reclaiming and embracing his heritage and humanity all while fostering community within the adoptee and Asian American realms. Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Patrick.

 

Shownotes:

• Patrick’s first childhood memory

The circumstances surrounding his birth in Korea, and the subsequent adoption to Indiana at just three months old

• Patrick shares his recent efforts to connect with his birth mother and the unexpected developments in that search, shedding light on the emotional and personal challenges of tracing his roots
• The unexpected news from the adoptive agency and what followed.
• Why Partick wrote 40 letters to his birth mom.
• What happens when the protective layers we've built are stripped away, revealing an emotional void? Patrick discusses the tension between control and agency on the adoption journey
• The complex emotions of becoming a father for the first time. Reflecting on seeing his DNA in his child
• The tools and coping mechanisms that have been essential in navigating these life changes, including the crucial role of therapy
• Patrick shares about his first 30 years of navigating life as an Asian American adoptee in a predominantly white community. Growing up in a colorblind household, experiences of subtle and overt racism were often minimized or dismissed by family members, leading to internalized rejection of identity.
• The profound impact of rejection, particularly in the context of adoption, and how it shapes personal identity and emotional well-being. We reflect on the lack of historical research on adoption and the misconception that adopted children will seamlessly integrate into their new families.
• Patrick’s turning point triggered by a scene in the movie "Always Be My Maybe" 
• Patrick shares about his  journey of self-discovery and embracing his heritage and identity.
• The multifaceted nature of the foster care system ranging from loving homes to systemic issues that undermine the foster kids experience.
• The emotional and transformative journey of personal growth and mutual support between Patrick and his adoptive  mother.

 

Connect with Patrick!

Instagram: @patrickintheworld

 

Podcasts:

1. The Janchi show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-janchi-show/id1529913015
2. Conversation Piece: https://www.conversationpiecepod.com/
3. Check Other

 

Studies:

 “Too Korean to be white and too white to be Korean” : 

https://www.holtinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Too-Korean-to-be-White.pdf

 

The adoptee consciousness model:

https://intercountryadopteevo