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It is generally not considered appropriate to use the term, "Gypsy." It is considered derogatory. It is also factually inaccurate, as it derives from the word "Egypt", because people used to think that this cultural/ethnic group originated in Egypt.

Gypsies are more correctly called Roma (a noun) or Romani (an adjective). They are a cultural group of Caucasians, probably of Indian origin, found mostly in Europe, although some live elsewhere, including the U.S. They tend to have tan skin and dark eyes and hair. The Roma tend to take on the religions of the areas where they live, although they may mix those religions with their own historical spriritual practices. In much of the world, the Roma are Catholic or Protestant, though they are sometimes Muslim.

The Romani people have always been subject to a great deal of prejudice and discrimination around the world, but especially in Europe, for many reasons. The Romani people were targeted by Hitler for extermination, just as he targeted the Jews, and thousands met their death in concentration camps.

The Roma are often semi-nomadic, not living in any one place for too long, and that is "strange" to some people, who form prejudices against them, as a result.

There has long been a stereotype of the Romani people as thieves and petty criminals. This may have arisen, in part, because it was easy to assign responsibility for objects that were missing to people who had since left town -- namely, the semi-nomadic Roma. The Roma have also tended to be poor and to live on the margins of society, and some thefts and petty crimes may have occurred because of poverty and marginalization. Unfortunately, the term, "gyp", which derives from "Gypsy", has come to mean "cheat" or "swindle" -- again, part of the stereotype of Gypsies as criminals.

Further, the Romani culture is often at odds with Western cultures, which makes them easy targets for persecution. As an example, it is very common for the Roma to marry off their children at very young ages, sometimes at ages considered illegal in their countries of residence. The Roma place a high value on the virginity of unmarried women, and also on married women who bear a lot of children, which is why early marriage is preferred. Many people don't like the way the Roma treat women, even apart from the marriage issue, because the culture is very much male-dominated.

Because of bias against the Roma, Romani children who become available for adoption are rarely adopted domestically in countries like Russia. As a result, they are often available for international adoption. If you see a gorgeous child with big dark eyes, black hair, and a nice tan on an Eastern European adoption photolisting, there is a good chance that the child is of Romani heritage.

Many, many Americans have adopted Romani children and are very happy that they did so. They can be as beautiful, healthy, intelligent, and loving as any other children.

However, prospective parents should remember that, although they are definitely Caucasians, the Roma may have darker skin, eyes, and hair than some White Americans. If they are not comfortable with a child who looks a bit different from them, they may not want to consider adoption of a Romani child. There is an adoption course called "Conspicuous Families" that is designed to help families decide whether they should consider a child who may not look like the rest of the household. Of course, a family where many of the members have dark hair and eyes, and an olive complexion, may find that a Romani child won't look all that different.

Also, because there is prejudice against the Roma, some prospective parents may worry that their relatives and neighbors will not accept a Romani child. There have been many instances where prospective adoptive or adoptive parents have encountered relatives, friends, and neighbors who said hurtful things like, "Those Gypsies will grow up to be thieves," even though there is no genetic basis for stealing, and a child who is brought up to believe that stealing is wrong is unlikely to commit theft.

I hope this is helpful.

Sharon