Adopter stories: Amy and Kirstie
Amy, left, and Kirstie, with their son 'Archie'
Amy, 33, and Kirsty, 35, adopted their son Archie (not his real name) through Adoption Cumbria in May 2021, when he was 23 months old. Archie is now six, and the couple say adoption has changed their lives in ways they could never have imagined.
“We often joke that Archie is the reason for our grey hairs,” says Amy, “but he’s also the reason our hearts feel so full.”
Like many LGBTQ+ adopters, Amy and Kirsty had some initial worries.
“We’d both experienced bullying growing up,” says Kirsty, “and we did think about whether Archie might face challenges because he has two mums. But our desire to give a child a safe, loving and permanent home outweighed those fears.”
Their adoption journey began when they attended a Adoption Cumbria information evening.
“We did consider other ways of becoming a family,” Kirsty explains, “but once we attended the event, adoption just felt right.”
They were approved to adopt in November 2020, and the matching process moved quickly.
“When we met Archie at the chemistry meeting, we just knew,” says Amy. “That was our son.”
Archie moved in three months later, and the Adoption Order was granted in October 2021.
“The early days were tough,” Kirsty reflects. “Parenting is hard whatever your route to parenthood, and whatever your family looks like. Adoption brings its own challenges, but also an incredible sense of purpose and connection.”
Now, nearly five years on, Archie is thriving.
“He’s funny, curious and full of personality,” says Amy. “We know there will be challenges as he grows — that’s part of adoption — but we also know we have the support of Adoption Cumbria if we ever need it.”
That ongoing support is one of the reasons Amy and Kirsty now actively give back.
“We’re really proud to be part of the adoption community,” says Kirsty. “We both sit on adoption panels and regularly speak during stage one training. It’s our way of paying back the service that helped us become a family and find our son.”
As we approach LGBTQ+ Fostering & Adoption Week, Amy and Kirsty want to encourage others to consider adoption.
“We never felt any different or less valued because we’re a same-sex couple,” says Amy. “Families come in all shapes and sizes, and what children need most is love, commitment and stability.”
Kirsty adds: “Adoption isn’t always easy, but it’s absolutely worth it — and you don’t do it alone.”