Norwegian | Gambian

Photo credit: provided by subject

I identify as a 30-year-old light-skinned heterosexual. I am very spiritual. My Father is from The Gambia, and my Mother is from northern Norway. They met in Bodø, Norway. They were out with their friends and met on the dance floor. They did a great job combining their different cultures. They both learned about each other’s cultures and tried to live by combining both. 

We ate food from all over the world, and most of the music came from Gambia/Senegal with a lot of hip-hop and reggae. They formed their own culture; they were very free thinking. I have also travelled around both Norway and Gambia to learn about my culture’s.

Culture does not have an effect on how I choose partners. To me it’s all about heart and soul. I also have never hidden my culture; I am very proud of being who I am and of my ancestral background.  

I think being in an interracial relationship is a lot easier now than before. My parents did not have a problem with their families, but I’ve heard stories about others that had more issues.

The biggest positive of my mixed background is that you have a lot of stories in your blood line. It’s much easier to accept everybody for who they are, and you learn more about different things like language’s. The negative part is the racism I have experienced. I found the protests after the death of George Floyd very important. Racial equality is key to a greater civilisation.

I’m more aware of my mixed identity now then in my younger years, but it’s partially due to people who point out the differences when you get older. There is a lot of diversity in my line of work.

If I had the opportunity to be reborn I would like to return the same as I am now, I am who I am, and I love it! I’ve got a mad passion for football and music and am currently working on music. 

During the pandemic I feel like I have been managing very well. Keeping my distance and still making moves.