British | African American
My parents met in Los Angeles when my Mum was travelling. They dated for about 6 months and the day my Mum went to renew her visa she found out she was pregnant with me. Both of my parents said that they got a lot of comments and looks when they were out together in 1989, however there were no issues when mixing with their friends and family. In fact, my Dad recalls being quite nervous when coming to England for the first time but was surprised how warm and welcoming my Mum’s family were. I definitely think it’s a lot less stressful and controversial to be in an interracial relationship now than when my parents were together. However, that’s not to say it’s not always easy and I think you’re a lot more aware of how you’re judged and perceived as an interracial couple over a couple that are from the same heritage.
My Dad lives in LA but is from Kansas City, Missouri and I visited a few times as a kid which was a really big experience. I first went when I was 13 and it was the first time I’d met any of my Black relatives and definitely felt a whole other sense of belonging I hadn’t experienced before. In a way it was my first real confirmation that I did have that dual heritage as up until then I’d only been told so and seen photographs of family members. I think my chosen line of work has subconsciously been influenced by Dads culture and career. He works with pro basketball and footballers as a tailor/designer which sparked an interest in the field for me. Music has also been an avenue I’ve embraced when exploring my heritage from my African American side.
I now work for myself but I’m always keen to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds and who identify as QTIPOC. In the past I have worked in companies and it’s been apparent that I’m filling a diversity quota and it’s been hard to be my authentic self. My outlook has changed in that I’m so much more comfortable in my ethnicity and fully embrace my intersectional identity. Confidence does grow with age so if anything, that will continue.
Want to read more? Subscribe here #mixedracefaces