Embracing Complex Identity: Insights from a Non-Binary Adoptee of Color with Anthony Lynch - Ep 139

"I think everyone has had this experience of feeling like they're in two places or even more than that, but not quite enough of any." -- Anthony Lynch

 

Read the Transcript: https://app.swellai.com/t/tp_01HSYYTTTDQ2QVDVHZ079SXA3E

Episode Summary:

Beth Syverson, the host of the podcast "Unraveling Adoption," welcomes Anthony Lynch, a 24-year-old non-binary transracial adoptee living in London, as a guest on the show. Anthony is the co-founder of In Between Lines, an organization that empowers individuals with complex identities. Throughout the episode, Anthony shares insights into their personal journey as a transracial adoptee with Jamaican and white heritage, growing up in a multicultural family in London.

Anthony discusses the challenges of navigating multiple identities, including being adopted, non-binary, and mixed race. They highlight the importance of embracing one's full identity and the complexities that come with straddling different cultural backgrounds. Anthony also sheds light on the concept of intersectionality and how it influences individual experiences and societal perceptions.

The conversation delves into the significance of creating spaces for individuals with complex identities to share their stories and connect with others. Anthony shares about the work of In Between Lines, including an upcoming exhibition featuring individuals with diverse backgrounds and identities. They emphasize the need for a more nuanced understanding of identity and the importance of fostering inclusivity and acceptance.

Beth and Anthony also discuss the upcoming parliamentary inquiry on adoptee voices in the UK, where Anthony is a steering group member. They touch on the mental health implications of complex identities and the role of policymakers in supporting individuals with diverse backgrounds.

Throughout the episode, Beth and Anthony explore the power of authenticity, community, and understanding in embracing complex identities. They encourage listeners to reflect on their own identities and challenge societal norms that limit individuals to singular labels. The episode concludes with a call to share the conversation with others and continue the dialogue on identity and acceptance.

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📆 Community Calendar: UnravelingAdoption.com/Calendar

✨Healing the Adoption Constellation database: UnravelingAdoption.com/Healing

💌Sign up for our Unraveling Adoption email list: http://eepurl.com/hVIAVX

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Anthony’s Contact Information:

• Find Anthony on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-emanuel-lynch/

• In-Between Lines on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inbetweenlinesorg/

• In-Between Lines website: https://inbetweenlines.co.uk/ 

Anthony Lynch is a researcher working in the intersection between Lived Experience and Policy. Their work with Complex Identities began when they co-founded In-Between Lines, an award-winning creative community for individuals belonging to multiple ethnicities, cultures, and families. As a research assistant at Coram, the UK's oldest Children's charity, they use their lived experience as a mixed non-binary adoptee to inform policy. They are also a steering group member for an upcoming parliamentary inquiry into adoptee voices, organized by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Adoption and Permanence.

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Other Resources:

• APtitude Support Group for Adoptive Parents Facing Adoption’s Challenges: UnravelingAdoption.com/APtitude

• Other Parents Like Me - oplm.com 

• Heather Ross - Life Coaching for Parents who have a child struggling with addiction: https://heatherrosscoaching.com/

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Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson

Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao

Email questions or comments to [email protected]

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

Support Unraveling Adoption on Patreon: Patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption

Check out our website: www.UnravelingAdoption.com

Create your own podcast through Libsyn: https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=ADOPTION

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Timestamps:

• 00:00:02 - Introduction to Unraveling Adoption Podcast: Beth Syverson introduces the podcast and herself as an adoptive mom.

• 00:01:06 - Guest Introduction: Anthony Lynch: Anthony Lynch is introduced as a non-binary transracial adoptee and co-founder of In Between Lines.

• 00:02:12 - Anthony's Origin Story: Anthony shares their background as a fostered and adopted individual with a complex mix of ethnicities.

• 00:03:29 - Blending In with Siblings: Anthony discusses how they were able to blend in with their biracial siblings and hide their adoptive identity.

• 00:04:29 - Coming Out as Non-Binary: Anthony talks about their recent realization and acceptance of being non-binary.

• 00:05:27 - Embracing Complex Identities: Anthony emphasizes the importance of embracing all aspects of their complex identity.

• 00:06:49 - Intersectionality and Multiple Identities: Anthony delves into the concept of intersectionality and the challenges of navigating multiple identities.

• 00:08:49 - Authenticity and Self-Expression: Anthony discusses the importance of being authentic and not compromising their identity for others.

• 00:09:22 - Understanding Intersectionality: Anthony explains the concept of intersectionality and its impact on individuals with complex identities.

• 00:12:46 - Daily Impact of Multiple Identities: Anthony shares how their multiple identities affect their daily life and interactions with others.

• 00:14:17 - In Between Lines Organization: Anthony talks about the In Between Lines organization and its mission to empower individuals with complex identities.

• 00:15:45 - Supporting In Between Lines: Anthony discusses ways to support the organization and participate in their upcoming projects.

• 00:20:44 - Parliamentary Inquiry on Adoptee Voices: Anthony shares their involvement in a parliamentary inquiry on adoptee voices and complex identities.

• 00:22:07 - Supporting In Between Lines: Anthony invites listeners to connect with In Between Lines on social media and support their upcoming exhibition.

• 00:25:19 - Appreciation for Unraveling Adoption Podcast: Anthony expresses gratitude for being a guest on the podcast and highlights the importance of in-depth conversations.