transracial

[ trans-rey-shuhl, tranz- ]

adjective

1. involving or between two or more racial groups:

   transracial adoptions.

2. noting or relating to a person whose racial identity does not correspond to the visible markers of that person’s racial group by birth.
3. noting or relating to a person of mixed racial heritage who alters their presentation of self, as in appearance, speech, or affiliation, to embrace or promote a particular racial identity.

Other Words From

• trans·racial·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of transracial¹

First recorded in 1970–75; trans- + racial

Example Sentences

“My experience as a transracial adoptee being raised in a predominantly white, Christian city is that you often get looked down upon. I was constantly reminded that I don’t belong,” said Lucy Sheen, who was adopted by a white family in the UK.

From BBC

Tim Walz, far from representing the toxic “white male” who haunts too many progressive imaginations and pronouncements, is one of the truly countless white men who’ve built bridges to transracial justice.

From Salon

The Howard University alum, who considered herself “transracial” after being caught in a web of lies in 2015, also taught African studies at Eastern Washington University.

From Seattle Times

Angela Tucker, a writer and transracial adoptee, joins us to argue that adoption is traumatic… and with the right reforms, it shouldn’t need to happen as often as it does.

From Slate

When it comes to developing Ashley's character, Audrey, did you always know that she would be a transracial adoptee.

From Salon