Irish-German | Peruvian – NHS Charity Senior Events Manager
I am a half Irish-German and half Peruvian Catholic. My parents both grew up in diverse households; my Father speaking German at home in Dublin, and Mother was raised in Lima with Afro-Peruvian heritage. My parents first met about 40 years ago at the Munich Oktoberfest through friends but they both lived in London at the time.
Because of my family, I’ve lived and worked in Germany, US, Ireland and UK. My extended family has always gotten on well together. While my grandparents couldn't speak to each other, they were always loving to each other, and my sisters and I would act as their translators.
Both sides of my family share similar values of decency, kindness and openness. My parents have always loved to travel and continue to see the world together. When people met our blonde, blue-eyed Dad, we would often be asked if he was our real Father or if we were adopted! People’s rudeness upon hearing my Mum’s accent, assuming she couldn’t speak English properly, would also really upset us. I struggled with feeling not Latina enough, not Irish enough, not enough. I have always felt like the foreigner, except for in London where I am just me.
The protests following George Floyd’s murder and countless others, made me feel emotional but also inspired by the united global reaction. I have been upset with some of the responses from people I know or care about who don't seem to understand the protests or think they are trying to erase history. I have had similar discussions about Brexit and the perception of migrants or refugees, often having to remind them I’m an immigrant too!
Recently, my British husband asked me if I could think of any friends that had babies recently who were of one nationality or race. We could only name one or two. I think that is wonderful and gives me hope there is a new generation of people similar to me. But also, more people who will grow up to be tolerant, inclusive, open, and hopefully proud of all they represent.
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