Going Back “Home”: Adoptees Share Their Experiences of Hong Kong Adoptee Gathering

Abstract

This mixed-methods study examines 20 adult Hong Kong Adoptees (HKADs) with an average age of 53.7 years who attended a Gathering of HKADs in Hong Kong. It has three elements (pre- and post-Gathering surveys and an interview). All participants engaged in two of the three parts of the study, while 14 of those 20 participated in all three parts. Survey data for the HKADs revealed significantly increased comfort with their Hong Kong identities following the visit to Hong Kong. Interviews with 20 attendees yielded themes surrounding reasons for attending; experiences and emotions; and the challenges and benefits of the gathering and returning to Hong Kong.

KEYWORDS:

• Hong Kong adoptees
• adoptee gathering
• return to birth country
• transnational adoption

Notes

1 We understand that while there is often overlap that there can be a difference in personal root tracing and birth search. For space reasons and because the way that interviewees sometimes put these two things into the same category, this essay talks about them together.

2 She uses the language “save me for a better life” and “saving me” but we understand these terms to be problematic.