During the past two decades more than 27,000 adoptees have joined Minnesota families from abroad or the public welfare system. Many, if not most, are now at an age where they are grappling with issues of identity and race, questioning how and whether to search for birth family, and wondering if their early experiences might affect their physical and mental health in the future. In addition, there are many issues that are different for adopted persons (e.g., marriage, having a child, shifting identities, and changing names, caring for aging adoptive parents, etc.).

Lifelong issues in adoption: reframing the discourse through lived experience is a one-day symposium, organized by adoptees for adoptees where all speakers/artists will be adopted persons. Admission is $75 and includes a full day of lectures, panel discussions, music, and audience participation.  Continental breakfast, a morning coffee break, and a box lunch will be provided.