Adoptie Toko met Hilbrand Westra - Voorbij raciale identiteit

Topic: REMOVAL & ADOPTION Beyond Racial Identity and Social Constructs

The general conversation about adoption often gets stuck in the age-old mantra about identity, but that topic overshadows the core question of whether you can become someone you're not by nature. What impact does the postmodern perspective have on the adaptability of the adopted child and their history, and what consequences does this have for the person's health?

About the Adoption Shop: We are Lenneke (Colombia) and Mariëlle (Sri Lanka), both adopted, and the founders of the Adoption Shop. Every month, we host a live online talk show about adoption. Here, we discuss everything related to adoption, including issues we face and experience as adoptees, and current events in the adoption world.

We have an AdoptionToko WhatsApp community. Here, we discuss the topics covered in this month's adoption talk show and keep you updated on events in the adoption world. It's a place where we give everyone a platform and encourage them to participate. Next year, we'll start new events where adoptees can meet and connect. Our goal is to create a place where stories, connection, recognition, and acknowledgement are central. A place where you are seen, heard, and feel safe. Together we know more; together you are no longer alone, and that feeling is priceless.

You are very welcome Lenneke and Marielle, Adoption Shop

Your ticket includes a drink after the show or during any intermission.

BIO HILBRAND WESTRA Hilbrand was born Jung Woon Seok (1969) and came to the Netherlands in 1973 with his sister Joo Min. He was the eldest of eight adoptees in a Frisian Protestant family that lived first in Amsterdam and later in Friesland. Hilbrand studied HRM in Groningen and later Labor Sociology in Amsterdam. During his studies, he became active in the adoption world. He is one of the first adoptees in the Netherlands and Europe to openly criticize the consequences of international adoption. During his career in international business, he also developed into an expert in intercultural systemic trauma work. The first adoption encounter days in the Netherlands (2005), together with his teacher Wolfgang Könighaus, would form the basis for his later work as an educator, trainer, and counselor. For his adoption work, Hilbrand was decorated as a Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau (2015). He is considered an expert in the field of transnational and interracial adoption and, in his daily life, serves as the director of training at the School for Systemic Awareness. He also provides training in leadership and men's work.