
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
More episodes of Open Adoption Project
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- Finding Family Through DNA: Adoptee Diane Rosenblum’s Journey · June 1, 2026 · 39 min
- Discovery, Reconnection, and the Adoption Experience with Edward Di Gangi · May 31, 2026 · 40 min
- Journey and Discovery with Emma Boggess · May 30, 2026 · 53 min
- Book Club: The Baby Thief with Heather Rodriguez · December 1, 2025 · 41 min
- Book Club: All You Can Ever Know with Anna Lehnardt · November 24, 2025 · 35 min
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