In this episode of Adoptees Crossing Lines, Zaira is joined by Ashley Albert—organizer, survivor, and founder of Stolen Children’s Month. Ashley shares her journey from foster care and incarceration to becoming the first parent in Washington state to legally enforce and modify an open adoption agreement. Together, they speak truth to power about the family policing system, the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), and the necessity of abolition. This conversation is about legacy, resistance, and the spiritual practice of staying alive and dangerous in the face of erasure.In this episode, we cover:(00:22) Ashley’s story of survival and her legal breakthrough in Washington State.(06:08) What it really takes to fight for your children—and what the system demands.(09:50) Why Ashley created Stolen Children’s Month and what it means to bear witness.(21:20) The truth about ASFA, adoption incentives, and systemic erasure.(34:30) Spiritual resistance, healing justice, and caring for ourselves as abolitionists.(45:17) Messages for survivors, caregivers, and anyone who's ever felt broken by the system.Connect with Ashley Albert & Stolen Children’s Month: Instagram: @stolenchildrensmonth Website: stolenchildrensmonth.comWork With Me: Email adopteescrossinglines@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.Editing by J. Way (AV Editor) Special thanks to J. Way for editing this podcast. To collaborate with her, email jwayedits@gmail.com.
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In this episode of Adoptees Crossing Lines, Zaira is joined by Ashley Albert—organizer, survivor, and founder of Stolen Children’s Month. Ashley shares her journey from foster care and incarceration to becoming the first parent in Washington state to legally enforce and modify an open adoption agreement. Together, they speak truth to power about the family policing system, the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), and the necessity of abolition. This conversation is about legacy, resistance, and the spiritual practice of staying alive and dangerous in the face of erasure.In this episode, we cover:(00:22) Ashley’s story of survival and her legal breakthrough in Washington State.(06:08) What it really takes to fight for your children—and what the system demands.(09:50) Why Ashley created Stolen Children’s Month and what it means to bear witness.(21:20) The truth about ASFA, adoption incentives, and systemic erasure.(34:30) Spiritual resistance, healing justice, and caring for ourselves as abolitionists.(45:17) Messages for survivors, caregivers, and anyone who's ever felt broken by the system.Connect with Ashley Albert & Stolen Children’s Month: Instagram: @stolenchildrensmonth Website: stolenchildrensmonth.comWork With Me: Email adopteescrossinglines@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.Editing by J. Way (AV Editor) Special thanks to J. Way for editing this podcast. To collaborate with her, email jwayedits@gmail.com.
Surveillance, Saviors, and Screens: Media & Adoption with J Way
Adoptees Crossing Lines
57 minutes
6 months ago
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 erasureCall To Action:Subscribe to Adoptees Crossing Lines on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media, and subscribe to our Substack for deeper content and community.Website: adopteescrossinglines.comInstagram: @adopteescrossinglinesTikTok: @adopteescrossinglines_BlueSky: adopteecrossing.bsky.socialSubstack: Adoptees Crossing Lines SubstackConnect with J Way:TikTok: @its_yagirl_jwayBluesky: @itsjway.bsky.socialWork With Me:Email adopteescrossinglines@gmail.com for brand partnerships, sponsorships, or collaboration inquiries.Editing by J WaySpecial thanks to J Way for editing this episode. To collaborate with her, email jwayedits@gmail.com.
Adoptees Crossing Lines
In this episode of Adoptees Crossing Lines, Zaira is joined by Ashley Albert—organizer, survivor, and founder of Stolen Children’s Month. Ashley shares her journey from foster care and incarceration to becoming the first parent in Washington state to legally enforce and modify an open adoption agreement. Together, they speak truth to power about the family policing system, the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), and the necessity of abolition. This conversation is about legacy, resistance, and the spiritual practice of staying alive and dangerous in the face of erasure.In this episode, we cover:(00:22) Ashley’s story of survival and her legal breakthrough in Washington State.(06:08) What it really takes to fight for your children—and what the system demands.(09:50) Why Ashley created Stolen Children’s Month and what it means to bear witness.(21:20) The truth about ASFA, adoption incentives, and systemic erasure.(34:30) Spiritual resistance, healing justice, and caring for ourselves as abolitionists.(45:17) Messages for survivors, caregivers, and anyone who's ever felt broken by the system.Connect with Ashley Albert & Stolen Children’s Month: Instagram: @stolenchildrensmonth Website: stolenchildrensmonth.comWork With Me: Email adopteescrossinglines@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.Editing by J. Way (AV Editor) Special thanks to J. Way for editing this podcast. To collaborate with her, email jwayedits@gmail.com.
