Representation Matters with Allison Olson

Representation Matters with Allison Olson

From Open Adoption Project by Lanette & Shaun Nelson

October 17, 2025 · 29 min · Episode 123

About this episode

Allison Olson shares her dual perspective as an adoptee and adoptive parent, discussing the importance of representation in adoption narratives.

In this episode, Allison Olson, an adoptee and adoptive parent, returns to the podcast, sharing her unique perspective from two sides of the adoption journey. She discusses her upcoming children’s books, which aim to offer authentic and balanced narratives for adoptees—especially those in LGBTQ+ families. Our conversation explores the representation of adoption in media, including books, movies, and television, and highlights the importance of creating sensitive, accurate content that resonates with and supports adoptees and children. Visit her website here: https://www.ouradoptionbooks.com/ Visit her blogs here: https://www.ouradoptionbooks.com/blogs

People in this episode

Hosts: Lanette Nelson, Shaun Nelson

Guest: Allison Olson

Topics covered

  • adoption
  • representation
  • LGBTQ+ families
  • children's literature
  • media portrayal
  • authentic narratives

Keywords

  • adoption
  • LGBTQ+
  • children's books
  • representation
  • media
  • authentic narratives
  • adoptee
  • adoptive parent

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Open Adoption Project, LGBTQ+

Books & works: children’s books

Places: media, books, movies, television

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