Between Cultures: One Transcultural Adoptive Family’s Story

What is it like to be the only biological child in a large transracial adoptive family? Our guest, Elaine Duncan, shares her story of how transcultural adoption impacted her identity and resilience. She is a writer, speaker, and strategist whose work bridges storytelling, healing, and social change. She has a passion for improving outcomes for underserved young people and is currently working on a memoir of her life journey.


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In this episode, we cover:

  • What did your home look like growing up, and what was it like for you to be the only biological child in a transracial/transcultural adoptive family?
  • Families who adopt across race or culture often wonder how to bring all of those differences together under one roof. 
  • How did your family handle conversations about race, culture, and identity?  Were these things openly acknowledged, celebrated, or avoided?
  • How did your parents support (or struggle to support) you in building your own sense of identity — not just as their child, but as an individual?
  • Did you ever feel overlooked or lost in the mix? How could parents avoid that happening for their kids?
  • What were some of the biggest challenges you carried from growing up in this transracial/transcultural adoptive family?
    • How have those challenges shaped your adult life, relationships, or even your current work?
  • What are the gifts or strengths you gained from growing up in such a diverse family?
  • Are there ways your unique upbringing has given you perspective, resilience, or empathy that you now value?

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Music Credit: Michael Ashworth: Podcast Producer: megownsoundworks.com