Over the past few days I have been writing about the ways in which the media and others in society tend to portray transracial adoption as either trendy or taboo.

For me, what it boils down to is that transracial adoption should not be trendy or taboo. It is, for adoptive parents, one way to build a family, and it is, for a tiny percentage of the millions of orphans in this world we live in, the best possible solution and the best chance for them to live a full and happy life, with their physical and emotional needs being met.

I hope it goes without saying that no one should ever adopt for any reason other than a true desire for and commitment to a child. If you want to be like a celebrity or to be on top of what is cool and fashionable in Hollywood, then buy a handbag, some shoes or sunglasses. Do not adopt a child. Adoption is not a trend. Children are not fashion accessories. When the media portrays adoption to be such, they are doing us all a disservice.

As much as it is true that transracial adoption should not be potrayed as trendy, neither should it be taboo. It is true that adoption is not perfect. It is true that not all agencies and programs are ethical, that not all involved in adoption are in it for the children and that not all adoptive parents put as much time and research into things as they should. It is true that things can be improved in many areas. It is true that adoption is not a perfect solution.

It is also true that being part of a transracial family is not always easy, and that there can be many issues involved for transracially adopted children.

However, it is true that there are many, many wonderful and ethical agencies and programs out there. There are many good people working hard to make this world a better place for the children who have to grow up in it. There are many agencies and adoptive parents committed to giving continued aid to the places their children are being adopted from. There are thousands upon thousands of children, who were once all alone in the world, who are now part of loving families.

Adoptive parents are getting more and more educated on racial issues and other issues related to adoption. Many are recognizing the importance of race and culture and are working hard to do all that they can to help their children stay connected to their roots. Many are thinking more about the importance of birth families. Many are caring about where their children come from and demanding ethical adoptions.

We are learning from transracial adoptive families that came before us, and listening to what adult adoptees have to say. We are learning and we are trying to be the best parents we can be. We take our roles as transracial adopive parents very seriously.

Transracial adoption is not perfect, but because of it, there are a lot of good things happening. Most importantly, children are being loved and cared for, and are getting families.

Adoption is not a trend and it is not taboo. It is a way to build a family.