Hi Also-Known-As Community,
I hope this note finds you all well. I cannot believe we’ve already reached our spring programming. We hope to see you in the coming months before the closing of this term’s programming cycle at our annual picnic in June!
I want to acknowledge some of the recent news I’ve seen across social media, large scale reporting (NYT, South Korea Times, AP, PBS, The Times) and personal reflections as it relates to a large portion of our Also-Known-As community of Korean adoptees and the historic step for adoptee recognition, rights and practices. Back in October’s newsletter, I briefly spoke to the revealing of new articles, findings and documentaries by South Korea’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. I want to recognize and hold space for the continued multitude of emotions that may arise for those that have been aware of these truths for a long time, or those of you who may have recently discovered them. I hope that if you choose to read, you’re able to prioritize taking care of yourself and one another. Thank you to those within our community who have vulnerably shared their stories. I hope we can continue to carve space to honor your lived experiences with compassion; and that fellow international adoptees and allies may be able to offer support where possible.
Over the next few weeks I will be returning to my birth country, China, for an adoptee symposium led by adoptees living in Shanghai. While there’s always complexity that arises for me on each return, I’m looking forward to seeing new places in China I’ve never traveled to before and I look forward to sharing reflections from this trip with all of you during next month’s letter. Here folks can find a list of resources pulled together from January’s Cultural Roots Quest event that highlights some of our organization’s partners’ resources for international adoptees looking to return to their birth countries.
In community & solidarity,
Lindsay AKA 涂婷
Happy Hour vibes just hit different in Jersey! Big thanks everyone for making the trip out and bringing the good times. Let’s do it again soon! 🍻
Multimedia artist and Peruvian adoptee Megan Rakos 🇵🇪 led a paper-collage workshop with us this past week, and the resulting pieces were 🤩!
Brooklyn ✔️ New Jersey ✔️. Queens, it’s your turn! Also-Known-As is heading to Astoria for April’s Happy Hour. Join us on Thursday, April 10th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at one of Astoria’s favorite spots. Don’t want to drink? No problem! Pig Beach is known for their delicious barbecue bites. Come out, relax, and enjoy a great time with the community!
📅 Date: Thursday, April 10th
⏰ Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
📍 Location: Pig Beach (35-37 36th St Ground Floor, Astoria, NY 11106)
💰 Cost: Pay your own way
✔️ RSVP: None, all adoptees & friends are welcome!
Hear from a panel of adoptee creatives on expressing their identity and experiences through their chosen craft, with insights on personal storytelling, technique, and self-exploration.
📅 Date: Weds, April 30 (TBC)
⏰ Time: 6:30-8:00 pm
📍 Location: NYC location TBC
👤 Who: Adoptees only, please
💰 Cost: Pay as you wish $5-15
✔️ RSVP: Required
🎓 The 2025 Also-Known-As Adoptee Excellence Scholarship is now live! One individual will be awarded a $1,000.00 (one-thousand dollars and zero cents) scholarship to support their full-time study at an accredited institution.
🎓 International adoptees are invited to apply if they are U.S. citizens; age 25 or under; and plan to enroll full-time in 2025 at an accredited college, university or vocational-technical school in the United States.
🎓 Financial need and merit will be considered; scholarship will be awarded in June 2025.
🎓 For more information, FAQs, and to apply, please visit https://www.alsoknownas.org/scholarships
Past scholarship winners Darci, Fikirte, Allemu, Jin, Maya, and Anderson
Spring Awakening: Nurturing the Sacral Chakra for Adoptees.
Join a blend of dynamic vinyasa (a style of yoga that links movement with breath in a smooth, flowing sequence) and gentle restorative yoga, designed to balance and awaken the second or sacral chakra—your center of creativity, emotions, and connection. As we move through the fluid flow of spring, we’ll honor the season’s energy of renewal and growth, creating space for healing and self-expression.To make this class accessible, this is a pay-what-you-can offering with a suggested $5 fee. Payment can be made via Zelle or Venmo. If cost is a barrier, please reach out to wellnessbylea@gmail.com. below and attached.
Soul Thread Yoga (STY) classes provide a safe and nurturing environment to explore and connect with your body, your emotions, and your unique journey. As an adoptee, the concept of identity is layered and ever-evolving, similar to a tapestry made of many threads. STY honors this interwoven journey, creating space for self-discovery, healing, and connection through movement and breath.
Thursday, April 10 4 - 5 pm PT/ 7 - 8 PM ET
Register here or Scan the QR code below: bit.ly/AprilAdopteeYoga
CAA x Nanchang Project: Part 1
On Tuesday, April 15 from 7:30-9PM ET, join Chinese Adoptee Alliance for an info session from Nanchang Project to learn about the DNA and birth search services they provide. Some Nanchang Project members will be presenting and will be available to answer any questions that you may have. This event is open to all adoptees, adoptive families, and anyone in the Adoption Constellation. Once registered, you may submit questions prior to the event through a google form link that will be provided. For more information, click here.
