13/10/2026
Adoption reunion can bring extraordinary feelings of connection, recognition and belonging. But what happens when those feelings become difficult to understand, and the people involved have little preparation or support to navigate them?
In this week's episode of Jigsaw Queenslandβs Adopt Perspective podcast, we explore one of the most complex and rarely discussed experiences that can arise during adoption reunion.
Born in the UK in 1965, Sophia Greenwood was separated from her mother at just five weeks old. In her early twenties, she began searching for her biological family, eventually reconnecting with both her mother and her father, Michael, who was now living in Australia.
What began as letters, phone calls and a powerful sense of connection developed into a relationship that neither Sophia nor Michael had anticipated. Their relationship became intimate, and they later had a son together.
More than three decades later, Sophia has written about her experiences in her memoir, "Forbidden Love: A True Story of Adoption, Reunion, and Longing".
Before hearing Sophia's story, we're joined by trauma psychotherapist, educator and fellow adopted person Monique Pangari, who helps us explore the terms genetic attraction (GA) and genetic sexual attraction (GSA), the emotional and psychological complexities of reunion, and the importance of preparation, boundaries and appropriate support.
Sophia then shares her deeply personal story, reflecting on separation, identity, longing, secrecy and the years she has spent trying to understand her experiences.
At Jigsaw Queensland, we believe that understanding the lifelong impact of adoption means being willing to have conversations about experiences that are often difficult to speak about. This episode is not about sensationalising or simplifying Sophia's story, but creating space for greater awareness, understanding and informed discussion.
πΏ A note for listeners: This episode explores a sensitive aspect of adoption reunion, including a relationship between biological family members that became intimate. While we discuss the emotional and psychological complexities surrounding this experience, we do not explore details of the sexual relationship. The conversation also touches on separation, loss and emotional distress. We encourage listeners to make their own choices about whether, when and how they engage with this conversation.
π We also ask anyone joining the conversation in the comments to lead with kindness, sensitivity and respect. Sophia has generously shared an intensely personal experience, and while people may have different perspectives, we ask that discussion remains thoughtful and mindful of the people and lived experiences behind this story and others like it.
Did you know that you can now watch Adopt Perspective on Spotify and YouTube? You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, Castbox, Amazon, Overcast and via the Jigsaw Queensland website here: https://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast
