English | Bengali – NHS Biomedical Support Worker
I identify as mixed-race; half English and half Bengali. My Mum is English, and my Dad is from Bangladesh. My Dad worked in the local Indian restaurant where they met and became friends. My Mum fully immersed herself in Bengali culture, she converted to Islam and then visited Bangladesh as soon as they got married. She learned Bengali and how to make the best curries. My Dad is very proud to be living in the UK. In our family, we celebrate Eid and Christmas, most nights we enjoy curries but also having full English roasts on Sundays.
I have always been super proud of my identity. If anyone asks where I am from, I am always happy to tell them. I feel interracial relationships are much more accepted. Growing up I didn't know any mixed-race children. The current generation most of the children I know are mixed-race which I feel is really nice.
I've always been proud to be mixed-race. I like when people ask where I am from, I feel I have the best of both worlds. I grew up in a very White community and racism was very prominent. I would usually get comments from other children at high school asking how I had a tan all year round. I am glad now that there is more awareness about different ethnicities. I feel that many people want to fit me into a certain box. Such as some family members from my Bengali side would see me as more westernised, while my English side would see me as more Bengali. When people ask me which side I am more like, I feel like I am a real mix and I don't want to fit into a certain box.
I have visited Bangladesh three times and absolutely loved the experience, life there is totally different from in the UK. I really enjoyed getting to know how my Dad grew up and meeting so many family members. One of my fondest memories is getting the train to Chattogram and Cox's Bazar from Sylhet, which was a very interesting experience as there would be people riding on the roof of the train and it was so busy filled with people, I would never complain about rush hour in London after that.
When I was younger I didn't think it was a big deal to be mixed-race. As I got older I realised more how different I was to other people growing up with two different cultures. There are not a lot of people I can relate to that's why I really enjoy reading all the stories from Mixedracefaces, I feel I'm not alone.
I love working in London as there are so many people from different countries, having different religions and cultures. Where I work I feel like they are very considerate of gender, cultures, and sexuality. I really enjoy getting to know people and finding out about their culture. Sometimes at work people bring in food that they have cooked from traditional home recipes and it’s nice to celebrate the diversity of everyone.
During the Covid pandemic I enjoy going for walks in my lunchtime exploring the hospital area. I've also joined a gardening club at work, where I have planted some flowers, this keeps me very busy. I have a very supportive family at home which has been a massive help.