Tell Your Story

Every story matters in our community — and we’d love to hear yours.Whether shared publicly or more anonymously, what you share can mean a lot and can help others in our community.

Having trouble below? You can also reach us through our Contact page.

If you'd prefer more privacy, you're welcome to use just your first name or initials when sharing your story publicly.

Your age will not be shown publicly unless you include it in your story.

Your email will never be shown publicly and is only used if we need to contact you about your story.

We welcome all stories from those adopted both domestically and internationally.

If you'd prefer more privacy, you can simply share a country or region instead of a city.

Please only share what feels comfortable to you publicly. You’re welcome to keep certain names, locations, or details private. Stories can always be shared more anonymously using first names or initials only. Please also be mindful that your story may affect others close to you. While we maintain strict community guidelines around reposting and respectful sharing, anything shared publicly online can sometimes still be copied or reshared outside of our community. Stories can also be requested to be removed at any time.

We always love hearing your stories for our community. You’re welcome to write as much or as little as feels right. You can write up to 1,200 words.

We recommend writing your story in a document first, then pasting it here — just in case your browser refreshes or you lose your connection.

0/1200 words

A clear photo of yourself works best, but if you’d prefer not to show your face, that’s completely okay. You’re welcome to upload something more private, like a photo from behind, a silhouette, or a meaningful place or object. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to choose a visual for you that thoughtfully represents your story.

You can add a younger photo of yourself if you’d like to share for your story.

This is completely optional. Selected stories may also be shared on our Stories page on the I’m Adopted website. If unchecked, your story will not be shared there.

We have a large and supportive community. If you’d ever prefer responses to your story to be limited or turned off, you can reach out to us at any time. Please reach out to us at anytime if you'd like any specific comments removed. While we do our best to monitor responses, we may not immediately see every comment added to stories. Stories can also be updated or requested to be removed whenever you wish. As a small team across different time zones, there may occasionally be a slight delay, but we’ll always do our best to respond as quickly as we can.

Do you agree to the Terms below? (required)

Having issues submitting or uploading your story? Please contact us directly here and we’ll make sure it reaches us.

We also maintain a strict community guidelines policy to help keep our community safe and respectful for everyone.

I’m Adopted Story Submission Terms

  • Public Sharing — By submitting your story, you give I’m Adopted permission to share it across our public community platforms, including our Facebook and Instagram pages. If selected by you above, your story may also be featured on our Stories page on our website.
  • Eligibility — You must be at least 20 years old to submit.
  • Original Content — By submitting, you confirm that your story reflects your own personal experiences and is shared in your own words.
  • Editing and Language — We may make light edits for grammar, spelling, or readability, or to comply with Facebook and Instagram guidelines. We’ll always aim to be transparent about any changes made.
  • About Your Story — Every story shared is a personal experience told in your own words. Because every adoption journey is unique, we can’t verify every detail or control how others might interpret or respond. By submitting, you acknowledge that sharing publicly is your choice, and that I’m Adopted isn’t responsible for how others may react or engage once your story is shared — but please know we always share with care and with our strong and supportive community. If you'd prefer more privacy, stories can always be shared more anonymously using first names, initials, limited details, or without a personal photo. If any responses or comments ever make you uncomfortable, please contact us and we can help limit or remove interactions where possible.
  • Privacy Note — If you’re hoping to connect with family through your story, please know that anyone who reaches out is independent and not part of I’m Adopted (including researchers or private investigators). We’re always happy to offer free guidance if you’re searching for relatives.
  • Final Reminder – Sharing is always your choice. Not every story is shared publicly. If you’d rather share privately, you can join our “I’m Adopted – Adoptee Talk” Facebook Group. We understand it takes a lot to share your story. If you ever want it removed or updated, just contact us at any time. Remember, you can also share your story completely anonymously if you prefer.