Irish | African-American

Photo credit: Provided by subject

I identify as mixed-race, spiritual & heterosexual. My Mother's family is from Ireland and my Father's family is presumably from Africa. My parents met on the bus. My Mom recalls my Dad frequently boarding short on the fare and all the ladies on board were quick to assist!

Culturally my parents are very similar. They were brought up American; same foods, same music, and language. My culture doesn't affect how I choose a partner. I am open to all races and ethnicities. I do find myself attracted to men that remind me of my Father.

No, I have never hidden any part or aspect of my identity. My view on interracial relationships versus my parents'/Grandparents' generation is night and day. Honestly, I'm jealous of how much easier it is to be not only in an interracial relationship, but also be the product of one. Both my parents were disowned by their families once they revealed their relationship, my Mother dating a Black man and my Father dating a White woman was an outrage. On the plus side, it made our tiny family bond of three that much stronger and allowed me to flourish in my identity without too much outside judgement. 

I didn't really know or understand the ramifications of my parent's union until I was older. They did an outstanding job and made sure I was confident in my own skin and loved. I do recall being treated differently when I was out with only my Mother versus with only my Father. Although my Mother and I share very similar facial features, we were and still are asked ‘are you together; when out shopping. I feel the entitlement when I am out with my Mother (not that she herself projects it) around other White people. I also feel the negativity when we are together around Black people, constantly on the defence for anyone that wants to try her in spite of me. On the other hand, while with Father everyone asks ‘is that your daughter’ while together. Around White people I feel like a threat or ‘uninvited’ and around Black people I feel embraced.

It's a challenge to identify as mixed-race. Everyone expects you to pick a side. I have visited Ireland and South Africa. Both trips were wonderful experiences. I think my outlook on being mixed-race is the same from when I was a child. I think how vocal I am on the topic has evolved as I have gotten older and will continue to do so. 

Fortunately, my workplace is very considerate of my gender, culture and sexuality. We are a very diverse bunch!

I would like to be reborn, I can't wait to see how diverse and mixed up the world is going to be, given it will still be around come my rebirth. I am hopeful that people will learn to live and let be in harmony. 

My pet project ‘ID Mixed’ is a platform I hope to build into something greater, celebrating and supporting mixed-race individuals. Allowing a safe place for people, especially our youth, to embrace what makes them different rather than hiding in the shadows because the outside world doesn't want to understand or recognize who they are. Also, my children's book series ‘Daisy the Daydreamer’, a storyline I have had since I was a teenager. I am excited to finally share a character that mixed-race children can identify with and look up to.

I would say I have been coping very well during the pandemic. I have been busy focusing on my work (grateful to still be employed), wellness, and future endeavours. It has inspired me to pursue my Master’s degree, as well as given me time to promote my children's book and ‘ID Mixed’ platform. Surprisingly, I have been more active than ever with friends (old and new), family, and fitness.