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As we welcome a new year, January invites us to pause, reflect, and begin again. This moment feels especially meaningful for Also-Known-As as we step into our 30th anniversary year: three decades of connection, advocacy, and community built by and for adult international adoptees.
This community was forged by devoted founding members who have built a path that was never walked in before, carried forward by committed adoptees of all backgrounds who continued to add structure and advocacy, the curation of a safe space to discover different dimensions of ourselves, and a global network for community that stretches far and wide across cultures.
Looking back on the past 30 years, I feel immense gratitude for the founders, leaders, volunteers, and members who made this community what it is today. Together, we’ve created spaces for belonging, supported one another through complexity and joy, and shown up, again and again – for adoptees seeking truth, justice, healing, and connection.
As we turn toward the next 30 years, our work feels more important than ever. The adoptee community continues to grow and evolve with our collective power. The road ahead calls for creativity, intergenerational leadership, and sustained advocacy. I am hopeful because of you, because of us, and because this community embodies resilience to its core.
Here’s to new beginnings, and to carrying our shared legacy forward with intention, compassion, and purpose.
If you haven’t already registered for the 30th anniversary, we invite you to do so here, and look forward to celebrating this big milestone with you soon!
With care,
Lindsay Geier 涂婷
Our first event of the new year is this Thursday! Join fellow adoptees for a Dry January happy hour at Soft Bar in Greenpoint. Warm up with mocktails, light bites, and good vibes. New faces are always welcome!
When: Thursday, Jan 8; 6-8 pm
Where: Soft Bar (200 Banker St, Greenpoint, Brooklyn)
Who: Adoptees & friends
RSVP: None, just show up :)
Cost: Pay your own way
This group discussion, the third in our “Cryin’ With Ryan” series, will confront the often hidden, painful truths many male-identifying adoptees face: feelings of loss, identity confusion, depression and anxiety, suicidality, and substance use. In this supportive space, male-identifying adoptees can share, reflect, and find understanding.
When: Monday, Jan 19; 6-8 pm
Where: Sapientia Initiative (115 W 27 St, 6th fl)
Who: This event is intended for male-identifying adoptees.
Cost: Donation requested
Join us as we gather around the table to welcome another lunar cycle during peak soup season. We’ll share a warming meal, celebrate new beginnings, and connect with fellow adoptees in a space rooted in cross-culture, comfort, and community. Come for the soup, the stories, the company—or all of the above.
We have spots for 25 people; please let us know ASAP if you need to cancel your registration.
When: Saturday, Feb 7; 11:30 am to 3 pm
Where: Spring Shabu Shabu (136-20 38th Ave, 2nd fl, Flushing, Queens)
Who: Adoptees & friends
Cost: Pay your way for food & drinks (set buffet price; add-ons available)
Are you an adoptee business owner, crafter, or maker of something else great? We’re inviting vendors in the community to be part of our first-ever Adoptee Makers’ Market!
Bringing together adoptee artists, food and drink purveyors, and more for a one-day shoppable event this March (date TBC), we’d love to consider showcasing your small business, art/crafts for sale, or other offering.
If you’re interested in sharing your work or products with our community in person during the event, email a quick description of your offering (with links if available) to kodonnell@alsoknownas.org and scraynededrick@alsoknownas.org.
