Lynelle Long of InterCountry Adoptee Voices

“When we shared our stories, found our voices, started to speak and connect, there was so much in common, regardless of our birth countries.” — Lynelle Long in Ep 23.

Lynelle Long founded InterCountry Adoptee Voices in 1998 to educate, support, connect, collaborate, galvanise and give voice to intercountry adoptees from around the world. In 2023, she spoke at the United Nations about a Joint Statement on illegal intercountry adoptions: “Victims of Illegal Intercountry Adoption Speak Out.”

As outlined in our book, Adoption Unfiltered, Sara, Kelsey, and Lori talk with Lynelle about how easily intercountry orphan care can turn into intercountry trafficking, and what provisions are (and are not) in place to protect children and families. Reflecting on 25 years in this arena, Lynelle tells us what she hopes to accomplish in the next 25 years.