Ever wonder where you fit in? That’s what sophomore, Anna Gilstrap, and her friends wondered when starting a national organization for Asian adoptees called “In Between.” This year, Gilstrap began a new chapter of In Between for Regis University students. I had the opportunity to interview her and learn a bit more about what In Between has to offer.
According to Gilstrap, the idea of In Between started after participating in “Adopteen,” an organization that brings together adopted teenagers for events and service trips to other countries. Though Gilstrap rarely spoke of her adoption during high school, Adopteen caught her eye.
“It sounded like a cool opportunity to hold babies and talk to some of the orphans in the orphanage,” Gilstrap explained. “I don’t know what the stats were, but only 30 applicants went per trip, so I was really fortunate to get one trip.”
However, Gilstrap’s trip to China wasn’t all she had expected it to be. She spoke of her time making crafts and playing games with younger children like Hei Hei, a little boy who loved playing with his red truck. The surprise came when spending time with older children and teenagers at the orphanage, some of which were 18 years old (and older than Gilstrap, who was 17 years old at the time).
“That could’ve been me,” Gilstrap said, reflecting on her experience. “I could’ve stayed just stayed in the orphanage. I could’ve just stayed there [in China]. [...] It was really hard, but I think it was necessary for me to realize that my adoption is not just a fun fact about myself. It’s an actual thing that happened. It’s not sad or anything. It can be happy. But it’s more than a fun fact. It’s my life story.”
But even after making this realization, Gilstrap and her new friends from Adopteen struggled to find where they belonged after leaving China. While their lives began in Chinese orphanages much like the ones they visited, they quickly discovered the ways in which they were more American. This left them looking for clubs and organizations where they could finally speak about their adoptions or their biracial identities. Unfortunately, no groups of this kind existed on their campuses.
“We realized [Adopteen] changed our viewpoint on our adoption,” Gilstrap explained. “We’re more open about it. I feel like a lot of the stigma that we’ve been raised with has been chipped.”
That’s when Gilstrap’s friend created “In Between” at UC Berkeley, giving Asian adoptees an opportunity to find others who share this split, multicultural identity. And while Gilstrap recognizes that In Between is not for everyone, she welcomes those looking for a place to celebrate their identity, especially when their identity falls between two cultures.
“I feel that no one should or must go to In Between...it’s more about whatever your path is in the Asian adoption experience,” Gilstrap clarified. “In Between is important for my growth as an Asian adoptee. [...] It’s such a cool experience for me to realize that there are so many of us.”
Gilstrap feels that In Between is an opportunity to get the closure, connection, and community that often isolates Asian adoptees. She says the group is for those who want new insight and healing from their experiences. This year, her goal is to spread the word about In Between and ensure that people feel connected. Gilstrap, along with other In Between chapters across the country, will be hosting events on Zoom to build these connections.
Interested in learning more or becoming a part of In Between? The Instagram for In Between’s Regis University chapter is @InBetweenRegis, and the Instagram for every chapter of In Between is @InBetweenNational. To RSVP for events, just look for links in their bios.
