Chris Williams, a domestic infant adoptee (yes, that’s the very technical term), prefers calling himself “thrifted” rather than adopted because, well, he thinks it’s funny. That’s key to him, as he’s a stand-up comic who channels his experiences as an adoptee and his ADHD adventures into his material, creating a space for others to laugh through life’s challenges. This approach has helped fellow adoptees and people from all walks of life connect and relate, lightening up heavy topics.

He has a deep love for his adoptive parents—Reggie and Pam, or as he calls them, simply “his parents.” They always made him feel valued as an individual and insisted his voice matters. He also has love for his adoptive brother, Cameron, or just “his brother.” They also taught Chris the importance of Black history, which helped him connect to his identity and build a strong sense of self.

Most recently, Chris took a DNA test, which revealed a possible half-brother and a range of biological relatives. While he always knew they were out there, the test made his adoptee experience feel more real and less abstract.

Chris is living life on his own terms—fully owning his growth and figuring it out gracefully… or something like that. Honestly, some days it doesn’t feel very graceful, but whatever… There’s no rush. No denial. Just living. And in that journey, he offers fellow adoptees the freedom to walk their own path and embrace their story with confidence—whatever that story looks like.

BTW, if you know a woman named Tabitha, who had a baby on March 20, 1987, at Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles, tell her Ryan (Chris) says hello and that she should DM him.