Maya McLaughlin ‘29

March 25th, 2026

Hidden Identities: A Collection of Chinese Adoptee Stories

Maya McLaughlin explored what it means to be Chinese, American, and Adoptees. By collecting stories from fellow Chinese American Adoptees she explored how they view their identity and how it has affected their lives. She reflected on the familial, social, and personal pressures put upon those with intersectional identities and how they have affected their perception of the world. She enjoyed her time interviewing other Chinese American Adoptees; being able to connect with more adoptees in her hometown of Washington, D.C. She hopes that the stories she collected can teach others about what it means to be a Chinese American Adoptee and create a space where Chinese American Adoptees feel heard within the Asian American community.

Link to website Maya made for her project: https://mmclaug4-cgbyo.wordpress.com/