Emmett, Andrea, and Ahri reflect on how joy grounds their family and their work. From Emmett’s advocacy in Texas to their shared commitment to authenticity and love, their story reveals the strength that comes from living truthfully.

Marked by war, abandonment, and adoption, Thomas Park Clement’s early life was defined by survival. He went on to become an inventor, using his success to give back to the adoptee community.

Andrea Hong Marra (she/her), often known as Andy, is a trans activist and executive director of the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF). From an early age, she knew who she was as a Korean American and person of color.

Emmett Yoon (he/him) is a trans rights activist based in Houston, serving as the Executive Director of the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT). Born in South Korea and adopted by a white family in the Midwest, Emmett often felt out of place and confused as a transracial adoptee.

Adopted at a young age and raised between cultures, Jacky Lee spent years navigating identity and belonging. Later in life, she began reclaiming her Korean roots and embracing her full self with pride.

Born in South Korea and later adopted by a Black American family, Milton Washington’s life is shaped by both loss and belonging. His story reflects the complex intersections of identity, history, and resilience.

After enduring a difficult and abusive upbringing, David Hee Lee found healing through education and chosen family. His story reflects resilience, identity, and the transformative power of love and support.

Adopted into an all-white community, Becky Belcore spent years searching for identity and belonging. Through activism and community work, she found purpose and connection to her Korean roots.

Separated from his family during the Korean War, John Anthony Ranum’s life journey took him through orphanages, adoption, and military service. Today, he finds pride in the family he built.

Adopted twice across cultures, Joseph Oh’s journey is shaped by loss, rediscovery, and belonging. As a father now, he is committed to creating the stability and love he once searched for.

As an adoptee raised in Minnesota, Soon Young Oh navigated identity largely on her own before finding connection later in life. Today, she actively builds community while passing on her heritage to her son.

Growing up in a predominantly white environment, Matt Miller didn’t fully embrace his Korean identity until adulthood. Now a parent, he shapes his own version of culture, identity, and family.

Balancing identity across cultures, Bree Yoo-Sun McLeun faced isolation early in life before finding purpose through motherhood and community. Her journey reflects healing, resilience, and connection.

Discovering later in life that she was adopted, Barbara Potter spent years unraveling her identity and family history. Her story explores the complexities of belonging within a same-race adoption.

After growing up feeling out of place, Zach Benson found connection through dance and later through reconnecting with his birth family in Korea. His story is one of identity, movement, and belonging.

Adopted into a white American family, Christine spent years searching for connection to her roots. Reuniting with her homeland and family brought her a sense of peace and belonging.

Growing up feeling unseen as an adoptee, Kayla Kim Votapek turned to art and facilitation to create space for others. Her work centers on identity, healing, and community care.

After a difficult upbringing marked by identity struggles and instability, Corey is now focused on creating supportive spaces for others. His story reflects healing, growth, and community.

Adopted into a white American family, Matthew Pellegrino spent years navigating identity before reconnecting with his Korean roots through music and personal exploration. His journey reflects both gratitude and the complexity of belonging between cultures.

A search for family brought Scott McLaughlin to Korea, where he ultimately built a life beyond that initial goal. His journey continues as an ongoing exploration of identity and connection.