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Lisa McDonough

@astepoffstage.bsky.social
56 followers 135 following 206 posts

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Adoptee Educator and Advocate ✍️ Writing about my experience of reuniting as an adoptee… 🔗 Learn more on Substack - open.substack.com/pub/astepoffstage

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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
🎟️ 🔗 givebutter.com/adoptee-read... 🎟️ 🔗 #adoption #adoptionjourney #adoptionislove #adoptionrocks #adoptionstory #adoptionsaveslives #adoptionday #adoptionawareness #adoptionstories #adoptioncommunity #adoptionsupport #adoptee #adopteevoices #adoptees #gotchaday #openadoption
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
@stephalazarasus.bsky.social I love your book reviews! You’re getting my library list going 🥰
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
I wrote her a note you’ll have to hear the article to get the details 🔗 in comments #adoption #adoptionjourney #adoptionislove #adoptionrocks #adoptionstory #adoptionsaveslives #adoptionday #adoptionawareness #adoptionstories #adoptioncommunity #adoptionsupport #adoptee #adopteevoices #adoptees
Sia collage of a handwritten letter and a mailbox with a letter sticking uout of it in the background with a title saying “ my adoption reunion story part 26 making contact with my birth mother
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
I don't mean to start a war about it, but I can sometimes find it frustrating to connect with other adoptees among the 🐶 📷 It would be nice to have some differentiators for the two groups. Perhaps pet people feel the same way? 🤷‍♀️ #sorrynotsorry #Adoption #AdopteeVoices #AdopteeRightsAreHumanRights
woman with her hair tied back with salmon-colored hoodie with her hood up smirking. With text reading: If you wish there was a separate hashtag to separate pet adoption from human adoption, like, share, repost, comement. Let me know how this impacts community building in the comments below.
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
The thing I’m most proud about in my work, is that #socialworkers, #pychologists, and #childwelfare experts are reading and recommending my #substack. In a #post-roe world… I’m thrilled my #adoption experience can help make it better for all! Check out the🔗 in the comments
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Ever wonder what it’s like to search and find your biological family as an adoptee? P.S. it’s easier when the state allows it - and with everything we know about the life long impacts on those relinquished, it’s still something 33 states still don’t allow astepoffstage.substack.com/p/part-25-a-...
astepoffstage.substack.com
Part 25: I Found My Family
How quick research led me to a family that I had waited thirty-eight years to find!
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Hot off the presses - Part 24 - astepoffstage.substack.com/p/my-adoptio... #adoption #adoptionjourney #adoptionislove #adoptionrocks #adoptionstory #adoptionsaveslives #adoptionday #adoptionawareness #adoptionstories #adoptioncommunity #adoptionisbeautiful #adoptionsupport #adoptee #adopteevoices
A collage of different birth certificates, a brown catalog envelope, and the title of the article "My Adoption Reunion Story, Part 24: Opening Up Your Birth Certificate for the first time at 38 years old."
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I'm not against #adoption; I'm pro creating a better experience for everyone who enters it. Let's talk about the hard stuff, so there are no surprises! Check out more in the comments.
Photo of a woman with short brown hair, smirking, with a caption that reads, "That time I wrote about unethical adoption laws and was worried about losing subscribers, and ended up gaining 12!"
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
We need to talk about private adoption. Check out the full article in the comments. #SocialJustice #HumanRights #Activism #MutualAid #AdopteeVoices #Memoir #MemoirWriting #CreativeNonfiction #PersonalEssay #LifeStories #WritingCommunity #IAmWriting #Drafting
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
If there's anything that adoptive parents should know about before their children grow up, it's the history of #adoption and #GeorgiaTann. Learn more about what it's like for children to reunite: astepoffstage.substack.com
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
With #GeorgiaTann in the background. And I'm sure I will lose subscribers, so feel free to sign up and show support! astepoffstage.substack.com
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
There's so much space to talk about what's learned through an #adoptionreunion Learn more about what to expect: astepoffstage.substack.com
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Did anyone else have preconceived ideas of what their #adoptionreunion would be like? I think most people would be surprised, and everyone should be aware of how complicated this actually gets! Who's with me?
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Jem Wayne @jem361.substack.com · 21/09/2026
Time to embarrass @evkingwrites.bsky.social LOL!
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
If moneys right right now, we all hear that. And… your financial hit maybe someone else’s crisis. Don’t lose sight of others when times are hard. Let’s keep working together!
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
That moment when you realize acting headshots are completely different than everyone else's professional headshots 😂
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
It's not like I'm sharing my deepest thoughts on there ambiguously. I guess that's one way to get to know someone. 😬
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Learn more: astepoffstage.substack.com/p/my-adoptio...
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Part 22: Signs of Family Disconnection astepoffstage.substack.com/p/my-adoptio...
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Why is it important for #adoptiveparents to be prepared for reunion? I love my adoptive parents deeply, and two truths are held for one of us. To learn more about what to expect in the lifelong journey of #adoption, follow the link in the comments.
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
One of the biggest topics for #Adoptees is being unable to obtain their #OriginalBirthCertificate. I'm telling my #AdoptionReunion story in chronological order - one of the biggest topics that #AdoptiveParents would be surprised by when the time comes. Link in the description to learn more
Quote from Article: "But when I looked up how to retrieve your original birth certificate, the state of Massachusetts required a court petition, and that didn't guarantee you would receive it. I didn't know how I would react to not being able to obtain my own vital records."
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
People rarely talk about what it's like what's adoption reunions are like after the first big moment. I'm writing about what it was like to do this the day after the election. To learn more, check out the link in the comments.
Quote from the article reading: "I felt like George Bailey in 'It's a Wonderful Life.' Looking out at this entire world that kept going on without me, as if I never existed. The pandemic changed the world. But moving home made me lose its familiarity. I started to question if the idea of home was ever real to begin with"
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Siblings raised in adoptive families are something I'd love to cover more in the future; this is quite an important topic! Follow my adoption reunion for more information astepoffstage.substack.com?utm_campaign...
Quote from the article: "What kind of relationship do you want to have with your sister?" Danielle would ask. Great question! If only I knew how to answer it.
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Learn more about the experience of an #AdoptionReunion astepoffstage.substack.com/p/my-adoptio...
Quote from article reading "Fun but little-known fact: Adoptees can notoriously grow up to become social chameleons."
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Paula - Defend Survivors @defendsurvivors.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Children are taught not to lie. We tell them the truth matters. Many of us were told lying is a sin. For a lot of adoptees, the first people to lie to us were our own parents. And our own state. #adopteerights #adoption #institutionalbetrayal defendsurvivors.substack.com/p/caring-for...
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Learn what I did during my adoption reunion: astepoffstage.substack.com?utm_campaign... #adoption #adoptionjourney #adoptionislove #adoptionrocks #adoptionsaveslives #adoptionday #adoptionstories #adoptioncommunity #adoptionisbeautiful #adoptionsupport #adoptee #adopteevoices #adoptees
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Looking to learn about the adult questions your adopted child might ask in the future? substack.com/@adoptionreu... #adoption #adoptionjourney #adoptionislove #adoptionstory #adoptionday #adoptionawareness #adoptionstories #adoptioncommunity #adoptionisbeautiful #adoptionsupport #adopteevoices
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
You never know how #Adoption impacts you until it does! Let's make this work for loving families: astepoffstage.substack.com?utm_campaign... #AdoptionCommunity #AdoptionTriad #AdopteeVoices #AdoptionTriad #AdopteeLivedExperience #substack #personalessays #adoptionreunion
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
A topic in #adoption that so many adoptive parents aren't prepared for: when your child becomes conscious of what they had to lose so that they could be in your family. It's a big topic! I want to open up this discussion so everyone gets support! astepoffstage.substack.com?utm_campaign...
Photo of a quote saying, "I couldn't have that little girl. I was terrified of having that little girl because if I watched her, I would know how it felt to be wearing that dress on that day. I would be looking at all the ways my child didn't belong in my family."
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
#AdoptiveParents have to balance trying to figure out if what they're doing is right all the time with being prepared for questions that are beyond understanding! Feel free to join me while I talk about my #AdoptionReunion; I learned so much! astepoffstage.substack.com?utm_campaign... #adoption
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
My Adoption Reunion Story – Part 21: My Adoption Arrival Story Changes astepoffstage.substack.com/p/my-adoptio... #Adoption #Adopted #AdopteeVoices #AdoptionTriad #AdopteeLivedExperience #AdopteeRights #substack #personalessays #adoptionreunion #AdoptionCommunity #AdoptionTriad #Adoption #Adopt
astepoffstage.substack.com
My Adoption Reunion Story – Part 21: My Adoption Arrival Story Changes
I started developing my own thoughts about my own story of how I arrived at my parents house.
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Nature and nurture can easily be conflated, and the distinction is important. Learn more by following my reunion: astepoffstage.substack.com?utm_campaign... #Adoption #Adopted #AdoptionTriad #AdopteeLivedExperience #AdopteeRights #substack #adoptionreunion
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Something that every single adopted parent should prepare for. Read more: astepoffstage.substack.com/p/my-adoptio... #Adopted #AdopteeVoices #AdoptionTriad #AdopteeLivedExperience #substack #adoptionreunion #AdoptionCommunity #AdoptionTriad #Adoption
Professional photo of a little girl at her first communion with the face and arms grayed out 
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Raise your hand’s if you know that early-20s feeling in your career!! 🙋‍♀️ astepoffstage.substack.com/p/my-adoptio... #ActorSky #FilmSky #TVSky#TheaterSky #ScreenWritingSky #WriterSky #Casting #EntertainmentIndustry
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
If there's something that the world needs so much more of, it's an adoption-informed therapist. Not addressing abandonment can easily lead to self-abandonment in adulthood. #AdoptionCommunity #AdoptionTriad #Adoption #Adopt #AdoptionCommunity astepoffstage.substack.com/p/my-adoptio...
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
How many other adoptees went into acting or a professional performing career? #AdoptionCommunity #AdoptionTriad #Adoption #Adopt #AdoptionCommunity astepoffstage.substack.com/p/my-adoptio...
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Part 18. #adoptionreunion #adoptionjourney #adoption #adoptees #adopteevoices #substack #personalessays open.substack.com/pub/astepoff...
open.substack.com
My Adoption Reunion Story – Part 18: When You've Officially Outgrown Your Childhood Home
I thought my childhood home would mean more space during the pandemic. What it meant was a space that belonged to my parents and a space that didn't feel like mine anymore.
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Part 17 - Adoption Reunion #Adoption #Adopted #AdopteeVoices #AdoptionTriad #AdopteeLivedExperience #AdopteeRights #substack #personalessays #adoptionreunion #indiewriters #writingcommunity #BlueSky #LateNightWrite #AmWriting #WriterSky open.substack.com/pub/astepoff...
open.substack.com
My Adoption Reunion Story – Part 17: What Does It Feel Like to be Adopted
Sitting alone in a hotel room during the pandemic, and someone finally asked the million dollar question, that I was very surprised to hear myself answer.
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
#Adoptees - do you feel reluctant to stand out on social media because you were in a closed adoption? Do you still do now? Let me know in the comments! #AdopteeVoices #AdoptionTriad #AdopteeLivedExperience #AdopteeRights Learn what I did by reuniting: astepoffstage.substack.com?utm_campaignn
A quote that reads: in her book, the primal wound: understanding the adopted child, Nancy Verrier discusses how adoptee feel they must hide their true pain and construct a pleasing outer persona 
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
#Adoptees! What was your ghost kingdom? I'll break the ice. My BF was a jazz musician. My BM passed away. Follow along to see how accurate I actually was. 😏 #Adoption #AdopteeVoices #AdoptionTriad #AdopteeLivedExperience #substack #personalessays astepoffstage.substack.com?utm_campaign...
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
I had a beautiful upbringing and an experience that my adoptive parents and I are still learning about after 40 years. Come join! #Adoption #AdoptionCommunity #AdoptionJourney #HopingToAdopt #ProspectiveAdoptiveParents #WaitingFamily #AdopteeVoices astepoffstage.substack.com?utm_campaign...
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Photo brought to you by the WORST kitchen you could ever attempt to stock up in during the pandemic 😂 #Adoption #Adopted #AdopteeVoices #AdoptionTriad #AdopteeLivedExperience #AdopteeRights #substack #PersonalEssays #AdoptionReunion astepoffstage.substack.com/p/my-adoptio...
a 5X3.5 kitchenette with a mini fridge, a half stove and two cabinets with items stuffed and stored in different places
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
#Substack #SubstackWriter #SubstackCommunity #IndieWriter #IndieAuthor #WritersSky #BookSky #JournoSky #PoetrySky #ScriptSky #AmWriting #AmEditing
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
The paradox of #healing and reaching a point of not needing #therapy. 😂 Like or comment if you can relate!
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Adoption isn't "love"; it's complex! Learn more about how to be a better ally to people who adopt by clicking the link! astepoffstage.substack.com?utm_campaign... #Adoption #Adopted #AdopteeVoices #AdoptionTriad #AdopteeLivedExperience #AdopteeRights #substack #personalessays #adoptionreunion
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Any adoptees ever felt like they were hiding in plain sight, or scanning a room of strangers to see if anyone was just like you? #Adoption #Adopted #AdopteeVoices #AdoptionTriad #AdopteeLivedExperience #AdopteeRights #personalessays #adoptionreunion astepoffstage.substack.com/p/my-adoptio...
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
I struggled to find research on this, but I know so many adoptees who can relate. Feel free to give me a like or comment if you're one of them! #Adoption #Adopted #AdopteeVoices #AdoptionTriad #AdopteeLivedExperience #AdopteeRights #substack #adoptionreunion substack.com/home/post/p-...
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Struggling to Establish Home and Holidays — Part 15 #Adoption #Adopted #AdopteeVoices #AdoptionTriad #AdopteeLivedExperience #AdopteeRights #substack #personalessays #adoptionreunion open.substack.com/pub/astepoff...
open.substack.com
My Adoption Reunion Story – Part 15: Struggling to Establish Home and Holidays
The unspoken feelings that many adoptees have about the feeling of grief around holidays, milestones, and the sense of home, and what you can do to start that conversation early.
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
I keep having these little moments when I look back and realize #adoption held me back from my own story, and how valuable my story is. Please join me! #Adopted #AdopteeVoices #AdoptionTriad #AdopteeLivedExperience #AdopteeRights #substack #personalessays astepoffstage.substack.com/p/my-adoptio...
astepoffstage.substack.com
My Adoption Reunion Story – Part 14: Scared to be Identified, Scared to be Seen, but Always Looking
The results of adoptees spending their whole lives scanning for familiar faces while also trying to hide in plain sight.
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Lisa McDonough @astepoffstage.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
As an adoptee, I was always curious about transracial adoptees. I understood how they felt without the extra layer. When you can feel that connection as a kid and have no facilitation that dialogue? It’s so difficult! Thank you for sharing 💜
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