What is Sibling Season? It’s how those of us in DCP (donor-conceived person) support groups refer to late November into the new year. As the gift-giving holidays are upon us and Ancestry, 23 and Me, and other commercial DNA services slash prices, more people buy at-home tests for fun or as presents. Some folks get only one surprise when they open the wrapping paper; others get a second when they open their results.
During Sibling Season, we prepare for a potential onslaught of new members in support groups after their lives and personal narratives are upended by the results. Secrets families kept for decades come tumbling out of the shadows while the truth comes to light, often with devastating consequences from the deception.
For those of us who are DCP, Sibling Season holds the potential to provide more answers to our mysteries.
🎄 Maybe we get a match that helps us find our parents’ donor/our genetic parent once and for all.
🎅🏻 Maybe we get one or more new siblings who want to be in contact.
⭐️ Maybe we get closer to knowing how many brothers and sisters we have.
🎁 But maybe we will have to explain why a new match doesn’t recognize our name…
If you match with a surprise relative this holiday season, respond with grace and kindness. If you have been keeping donor conception a secret from your child, resolve to finally tell. And if you are a DCP “celebrating” Sibling Season, may the odds be ever in your favor.
A Donor Conceived Adult 