this woman’s work

My friend Deesha Philyaw is working on an article about transracial adoption for a national newsstand magazine, which I happen to absolutely adore. I can’t WAIT for this article to hit the stands! I’ve gotten to read some earlier drafts and it’s going to be AMAZING. But Deesha still needs one more person to interview, specifically a white person who either adopted or is planning to adopt and who — for whatever reason — does not want to adopt a black child.

Hey, before anyone feels the need to comment on that, I gotta say that I have known many lovely, fabulous, kind and anti-racist white people who have chosen not to adopt transracially. It may be that they feel daunted by the challenges or that those challenges are exacerbated by personal circumstnaces. Which is to say that I know there are some of you in my reading audience and I dearly hope you’ll respond. Here’s what Deesha emailed me:

I’m looking to interview adoptive parents (or those considering adoption) who ruled out adopting a black child specifically.  I’d like to talk to those who are comfortable sharing their reasons for this decision.  I can use pseudonyms or quote them anonymously.  While I promise not to debate with them about decision, I may present them with opposing points of view (play Devil’s advocate) and ask them to respond, if they can.

Deesha is smart, kind, compassionate and a terrific writer. You can either write to her directly at deesha AT deeshaphilyaw DOT com  or leave a comment here and she’ll contact you.