Mary Bowers
@eatbemary.bsky.social
🦑 Squid Game: The Challenge Player #078 | 🇰🇷 Korea's #1 Ranked Competitive Eater | 🌭 9× Nathan's Hotdog Eating Contest Finalist | #adoptee Advocate
Pinned
Mary Bowers
@eatbemary.bsky.social
· Aug 20
I had no idea how much anger I could feel until I found my little brother. Now, I understand what was stolen from us. Society shames adoptees for feeling angry. If you aren't angry about systemic child abuse, corruption, and violations of human rights, maybe it's time to ask why. #adoption 🥚
Reposted by Mary Bowers
A key part of today’s executive order:
Faith-based foster-care agencies will now qualify for federal support.
The White House is directing agencies to override state barriers that restrict religious organizations and expand partnerships with churches and faith-based providers.
Faith-based foster-care agencies will now qualify for federal support.
The White House is directing agencies to override state barriers that restrict religious organizations and expand partnerships with churches and faith-based providers.
NEW EO: Trump launches “Fostering the Future” — an overhaul of America’s foster-care system.
✔️ AI matching
✔️ State scorecards
✔️ New platform for youth aging out
✔️ Demand for expanded faith-based partnerships
✔️ Redirecting federal funds to education & jobs
✔️ AI matching
✔️ State scorecards
✔️ New platform for youth aging out
✔️ Demand for expanded faith-based partnerships
✔️ Redirecting federal funds to education & jobs
November 13, 2025 at 9:09 PM
A key part of today’s executive order:
Faith-based foster-care agencies will now qualify for federal support.
The White House is directing agencies to override state barriers that restrict religious organizations and expand partnerships with churches and faith-based providers.
Faith-based foster-care agencies will now qualify for federal support.
The White House is directing agencies to override state barriers that restrict religious organizations and expand partnerships with churches and faith-based providers.
Reposted by Mary Bowers
National Adoption Awareness Month, which is about promoting #adoption, begins today. none of the promotional material contains an answer to the following naïve question:
why does “give this child a loving and safe home” require “erase and rewrite this child’s entire identity”?
why does “give this child a loving and safe home” require “erase and rewrite this child’s entire identity”?
November 1, 2025 at 8:46 PM
National Adoption Awareness Month, which is about promoting #adoption, begins today. none of the promotional material contains an answer to the following naïve question:
why does “give this child a loving and safe home” require “erase and rewrite this child’s entire identity”?
why does “give this child a loving and safe home” require “erase and rewrite this child’s entire identity”?
Reposted by Mary Bowers
It's Adoptee Remembrance Day today. I think about all the adoptees whose lives have ended too early. May they rest in peace🥚
October 30, 2025 at 6:02 PM
It's Adoptee Remembrance Day today. I think about all the adoptees whose lives have ended too early. May they rest in peace🥚
Reposted by Mary Bowers
🥚 Extraordinary apology from South Korean President to 200,000 Koreans sent abroad as adoptees, many of whom “discovered their records were falsified to portray them as abandoned orphans, while others were carelessly removed, or even stolen, from their birth families” 1/3
apnews.com/article/sout...
apnews.com/article/sout...
South Korea's president apologizes over poorly managed foreign adoption programs
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has apologized for poorly managed foreign adoption programs that were rife with abuses and fraud.
apnews.com
October 3, 2025 at 11:04 AM
🥚 Extraordinary apology from South Korean President to 200,000 Koreans sent abroad as adoptees, many of whom “discovered their records were falsified to portray them as abandoned orphans, while others were carelessly removed, or even stolen, from their birth families” 1/3
apnews.com/article/sout...
apnews.com/article/sout...
A person does not need to be a racist to participate in or perpetuate racist systems. It's important to listen and learn with open hearts and minds, especially when the person naming the harm is someone you claim to love as one of your own. #adopteevoices 🥚 www.channelnewsasia.com/watch/whats-...
What's Coming Up - Korean Adoptees And Their Journey To Reclaim Erased Histories In One "Orphan" Every Hour
Nearly 250,000 Korean children were adopted to the West as "orphans". Were they lucky to be rescued, or does the truth tell a different story? Find out in One "Orphan" Every Hour. Premiering 30 Augus...
www.channelnewsasia.com
August 31, 2025 at 3:22 AM
A person does not need to be a racist to participate in or perpetuate racist systems. It's important to listen and learn with open hearts and minds, especially when the person naming the harm is someone you claim to love as one of your own. #adopteevoices 🥚 www.channelnewsasia.com/watch/whats-...
After filming this documentary, I became 1 of 56 resolved cases in Korea's TRC #adoption investigation, confirming human rights violations. 311 remain unresolved. Thanks @channelnewsasia.bsky.social for telling our stories 🥚.
Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.
f.mtr.cool
August 31, 2025 at 1:40 AM
After filming this documentary, I became 1 of 56 resolved cases in Korea's TRC #adoption investigation, confirming human rights violations. 311 remain unresolved. Thanks @channelnewsasia.bsky.social for telling our stories 🥚.
I grew up believing I was an orphan. The truth told a different story 💔. See my story in One Orphan Every Hour this Sat, Aug 30 at 9pm SGT @channelnewsasia.bsky.social 🥚. #Korea #AdopteeVoices #adoptionjourney #adoptionstory #adoption
August 28, 2025 at 6:31 PM
I grew up believing I was an orphan. The truth told a different story 💔. See my story in One Orphan Every Hour this Sat, Aug 30 at 9pm SGT @channelnewsasia.bsky.social 🥚. #Korea #AdopteeVoices #adoptionjourney #adoptionstory #adoption
It's totally a coincidence. Can't possibly be related, right? 🧮
August 22, 2025 at 10:03 AM
It's totally a coincidence. Can't possibly be related, right? 🧮
Reposted by Mary Bowers
1) Translation from Google:
“I remember sneaking into my parents' room and first looking at my adoption record. I was around ten years old, and I was so curious to see what it said. Nothing significant was written there.
There was no mention of my biological parents' names, no information…
🥚
“I remember sneaking into my parents' room and first looking at my adoption record. I was around ten years old, and I was so curious to see what it said. Nothing significant was written there.
There was no mention of my biological parents' names, no information…
🥚
August 21, 2025 at 1:40 AM
1) Translation from Google:
“I remember sneaking into my parents' room and first looking at my adoption record. I was around ten years old, and I was so curious to see what it said. Nothing significant was written there.
There was no mention of my biological parents' names, no information…
🥚
“I remember sneaking into my parents' room and first looking at my adoption record. I was around ten years old, and I was so curious to see what it said. Nothing significant was written there.
There was no mention of my biological parents' names, no information…
🥚
I had no idea how much anger I could feel until I found my little brother. Now, I understand what was stolen from us. Society shames adoptees for feeling angry. If you aren't angry about systemic child abuse, corruption, and violations of human rights, maybe it's time to ask why. #adoption 🥚
August 20, 2025 at 10:33 PM
I had no idea how much anger I could feel until I found my little brother. Now, I understand what was stolen from us. Society shames adoptees for feeling angry. If you aren't angry about systemic child abuse, corruption, and violations of human rights, maybe it's time to ask why. #adoption 🥚
Reposted by Mary Bowers
My pre-adoptive identity IS my identity. To conceal it is to violate the right to know who I am.
People who dismiss our demands for the truth with “love is stronger than DNA” are engaged in deliberate and desperate obfuscation.
And concealing the truth is the opposite of love. 🥚
People who dismiss our demands for the truth with “love is stronger than DNA” are engaged in deliberate and desperate obfuscation.
And concealing the truth is the opposite of love. 🥚
‘Why didn’t you tell me?’: the Australian push to have all adopted people told their full history and identity
Some people can get all the way through adulthood without knowing they are adopted. Should the government tell them?
www.theguardian.com
August 12, 2025 at 12:36 PM
My pre-adoptive identity IS my identity. To conceal it is to violate the right to know who I am.
People who dismiss our demands for the truth with “love is stronger than DNA” are engaged in deliberate and desperate obfuscation.
And concealing the truth is the opposite of love. 🥚
People who dismiss our demands for the truth with “love is stronger than DNA” are engaged in deliberate and desperate obfuscation.
And concealing the truth is the opposite of love. 🥚
Meet the requirements.
기준을 지켜라.
Protect the records.
기록을 지켜라.
Respect our identities.
우리의 정체성을 존중하라.
Amplify #adopteevoices and share 🥚
www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/s...
기준을 지켜라.
Protect the records.
기록을 지켜라.
Respect our identities.
우리의 정체성을 존중하라.
Amplify #adopteevoices and share 🥚
www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/s...
Adoptees voice deep concerns regarding state takeover of adoption system - The Korea Times
Korea’s move to bring its adoption process entirely under government control was promoted as a safeguard against the abuses that have long marred t...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
August 15, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Meet the requirements.
기준을 지켜라.
Protect the records.
기록을 지켜라.
Respect our identities.
우리의 정체성을 존중하라.
Amplify #adopteevoices and share 🥚
www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/s...
기준을 지켜라.
Protect the records.
기록을 지켜라.
Respect our identities.
우리의 정체성을 존중하라.
Amplify #adopteevoices and share 🥚
www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/s...
Instead of assuming I'm "ungrateful" for my adoptive family, you can start assuming that I would walk through hell itself to find my biological family. Loving someone even in their absence takes courage. I will not be broken ✊️❤️🥚 #adoption www.cnn.com/2025/08/01/a...
https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/01/asia/south-korean-adoptees-reuniting-families-reconnecting-harder-hnk#amp_tf=From%20%1$s&aoh=17540978506802&csi=0&referrer=https://www.google.com&share=https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/01/asia/south-korean-adoptees-reuniting-families-reconnecting-harder-hnk
August 3, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Instead of assuming I'm "ungrateful" for my adoptive family, you can start assuming that I would walk through hell itself to find my biological family. Loving someone even in their absence takes courage. I will not be broken ✊️❤️🥚 #adoption www.cnn.com/2025/08/01/a...
Reposted by Mary Bowers
🥚These trends are the result of national bans enacted around the world after exposés in international media revealed systemic deception, corruption, coercion, fraud, and baby-stealing by adoption agencies.
And those exposés were the result of relentless, ongoing #adoptee rights activism. BRAVO🧵
And those exposés were the result of relentless, ongoing #adoptee rights activism. BRAVO🧵
𝟐𝟐,𝟗𝟖𝟖: the number of international adoptions to the US in 2004
𝟏,𝟐𝟕𝟓: the number of international adoptions to the US in 2023
www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/...
𝟏,𝟐𝟕𝟓: the number of international adoptions to the US in 2023
www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/...
July 26, 2025 at 6:12 PM
🥚These trends are the result of national bans enacted around the world after exposés in international media revealed systemic deception, corruption, coercion, fraud, and baby-stealing by adoption agencies.
And those exposés were the result of relentless, ongoing #adoptee rights activism. BRAVO🧵
And those exposés were the result of relentless, ongoing #adoptee rights activism. BRAVO🧵
Sending out the 🥚 signal. It's like a 🦇 signal, but cooler 🫶. The records of an estimated 200,000 Korean #adoptees are moving to a government leased facility. These documents are often the only remaining to our families. It could be going better 🫤. v.daum.net/v/2025072318...
흩어진 입양기록물 한 곳으로…입양단체들 우려, 왜?
입양인들의 입양기록물을 한 곳에 모아 보관할 임시서고가 경기도 고양시 덕양구에 위치한 한 저온 물류센터 건물 내 둥지를 틀었습니다. 입양기록물이 냉동 물류창고 목적으로 지어진 건물에 보관되는 것이 적절치 않다는 지적에 해당 업무를 맡고 있는 아동권리보장원은 "공공기록물법 시행령상 기준에 맞춰 관리할 계획"이라는 입장이지만, 입양인단체 등의 우려는 여전합니
v.daum.net
July 23, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Sending out the 🥚 signal. It's like a 🦇 signal, but cooler 🫶. The records of an estimated 200,000 Korean #adoptees are moving to a government leased facility. These documents are often the only remaining to our families. It could be going better 🫤. v.daum.net/v/2025072318...
Reposted by Mary Bowers
"As a Chinese transnational adoptee, there is no single correct way to be, or feel. Our experiences are complex, fluid, and often shaped by the openness — or rigidity — of our adoptive families."
This project shares the stories of young people whose lives were shaped by China's overpopulation laws.
This project shares the stories of young people whose lives were shaped by China's overpopulation laws.
We Were Adopted Thanks to China’s Overpopulation Policies. These Are Our Stories.
160,000 Chinese children were adopted by families across the world since this policy went into effect in 1992.
www.teenvogue.com
July 23, 2025 at 2:56 PM
"As a Chinese transnational adoptee, there is no single correct way to be, or feel. Our experiences are complex, fluid, and often shaped by the openness — or rigidity — of our adoptive families."
This project shares the stories of young people whose lives were shaped by China's overpopulation laws.
This project shares the stories of young people whose lives were shaped by China's overpopulation laws.
#Adoptees went to the National Assembly 🇰🇷. Not to make a scene. To BE seen.
To ask—quietly but clearly—not to lose what little we have left. #adoption records hold our names, our families, our identities 🥚
m.pressian.com/m/pages/arti...
To ask—quietly but clearly—not to lose what little we have left. #adoption records hold our names, our families, our identities 🥚
m.pressian.com/m/pages/arti...
"20만 해외입양인 기록, 정부 책임 하에 '쿠0 창고'로 이관됩니다"
m.pressian.com
July 8, 2025 at 10:28 AM
#Adoptees went to the National Assembly 🇰🇷. Not to make a scene. To BE seen.
To ask—quietly but clearly—not to lose what little we have left. #adoption records hold our names, our families, our identities 🥚
m.pressian.com/m/pages/arti...
To ask—quietly but clearly—not to lose what little we have left. #adoption records hold our names, our families, our identities 🥚
m.pressian.com/m/pages/arti...
13 years. One incredible life chapter 🌭✨. Korea’s Truth & Reconciliation Commission recently confirmed my adoption was a violation of human rights. So I’m stepping away from competitive eating to focus on advocacy and healing. Thanks for being part of my story—from the first bite and beyond 💫
July 5, 2025 at 3:18 PM
13 years. One incredible life chapter 🌭✨. Korea’s Truth & Reconciliation Commission recently confirmed my adoption was a violation of human rights. So I’m stepping away from competitive eating to focus on advocacy and healing. Thanks for being part of my story—from the first bite and beyond 💫
Wishing everyone a safe and happy #4thofjuly. Congratulations to Joey Chestnut, Miki Sudo, and all of my Nathan's Famous friends on an incredible competition 🌭🌭🌭. Cheering for you today and always ❤️! #hotdogeatingcontest
July 4, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Wishing everyone a safe and happy #4thofjuly. Congratulations to Joey Chestnut, Miki Sudo, and all of my Nathan's Famous friends on an incredible competition 🌭🌭🌭. Cheering for you today and always ❤️! #hotdogeatingcontest
Ever wondered what 10 minutes of glory tastes like? Welcome to my life 🌭. Join me and Denverse Magazine on the Locals Aloud #podcast as I talk about why the #4thofJuly is my favorite full-contact sport 🇺🇸. Give it a listen 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/2lMb...
Competitive Eating Behind the Scenes With World-Ranked Hot Dog Specialist Mary Bowers
Denverse: Locals Aloud · Episode
open.spotify.com
July 3, 2025 at 5:58 AM
Ever wondered what 10 minutes of glory tastes like? Welcome to my life 🌭. Join me and Denverse Magazine on the Locals Aloud #podcast as I talk about why the #4thofJuly is my favorite full-contact sport 🇺🇸. Give it a listen 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/2lMb...
So much respect for this incredible athlete and friend. Can't wait for his return to the table 🌭
Competitive eater Joey “Jaws” Chestnut is making a return appearance at this year’s Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest.
Joey 'Jaws' Chestnut to return to Coney Island hotdog eating contest after contract dispute
Competitive eater Joey “Jaws” Chestnut is making a return appearance at this year’s Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest.
bit.ly
June 17, 2025 at 4:37 AM
So much respect for this incredible athlete and friend. Can't wait for his return to the table 🌭
Reposted by Mary Bowers
STOCKHOLM (AP) — A Swedish commission recommended Monday that international adoptions be stopped after an investigation found a series of abuses and fraud dating back decades.
apnews.com/article/swed...
apnews.com/article/swed...
Sweden faces call to halt international adoptions after inquiry finds abuses and fraud
A Swedish commission has recommended that international adoptions be stopped after an investigation found a series of abuses and fraud dating back decades.
apnews.com
June 2, 2025 at 11:01 AM
STOCKHOLM (AP) — A Swedish commission recommended Monday that international adoptions be stopped after an investigation found a series of abuses and fraud dating back decades.
apnews.com/article/swed...
apnews.com/article/swed...
Hey, @detroitrudyowens.bsky.social! Would hate to start a beef with an adoptee advocate, but feel like I know you well enough to test the strength of our friendship. Who has the better Coney Island 🌭? Lafayette or American?
May 29, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Hey, @detroitrudyowens.bsky.social! Would hate to start a beef with an adoptee advocate, but feel like I know you well enough to test the strength of our friendship. Who has the better Coney Island 🌭? Lafayette or American?
Reposted by Mary Bowers
A 72-year-old mother has filed a lawsuit against South Korea’s government and its largest adoption agency, alleging systematic failures in her forced separation from her toddler son who was sent to Norway without her consent.
apnews.com/article/sout...
apnews.com/article/sout...
A South Korean mother sues the government and an agency over the adoption of her missing son
A 72-year-old mother has filed a lawsuit against South Korea’s government and its largest adoption agency, alleging systematic failures in her forced separation from her toddler son who was sent to No...
apnews.com
May 26, 2025 at 10:22 AM
A 72-year-old mother has filed a lawsuit against South Korea’s government and its largest adoption agency, alleging systematic failures in her forced separation from her toddler son who was sent to Norway without her consent.
apnews.com/article/sout...
apnews.com/article/sout...