A Child of the State

Explore the powerful personal narrative of poet and playwright Lemn Sissay in this 16-minute TED talk filmed at TEDxHousesofParliament. Delve into the complex relationship between literature and parentless children, examining iconic characters from Moses to Harry Potter. Discover why many fostered, adopted, and orphaned individuals feel the need to conceal their backgrounds. Through Sissay's moving story, gain insight into the experiences of those who grow up as children of the state and the lasting impact it has on their lives.