Phoebe’s Story

This is me as a baby in China, before my adoption!

Why I Got Involved…

I am a Chinese American transracial adoptee and a firm believer in social justice. I was adopted as a baby, likely given up by parents who were trying for a male child. Those born female were considered unlucky, as they got married and moved out instead of staying home to take care of their aging parents. Sons, when adults, were the ones who would look after the family. 

At the time of my birth, China had established a one child policy, ruling that families could only have one child. It was a response to overpopulation and numerous female babies were given up as many couples attempted to produce sons. Like parents of other Chinese American adoptees, my biological family likely could not afford to raise a daughter or the fine for violating the policy. So, I was left at an orphanage, given up for adoption in the hope that I would be adopted by someone who had the resources to give a young me the life my biological parents could not.

Had I grown up in an orphanage, I probably would not have access to the resources I am blessed with today. It is my duty to understand where I come from and to acknowledge the privilege I now have. I am dedicated to leveling the playing field for those born “unlucky.” I may have been born this way, but my fate changed. And in turn, I am responsible for helping the fate of others shift, just as mine did.