Navigating Cultural Divides and Personal Feelings: An Immigrant’s Reflection on Brexit and Family Relationships
Moving to a new country is a journey filled with both challenges and opportunities. For many immigrants, building a life abroad involves navigating complex social dynamics, adjusting to new cultural norms, and sometimes confronting xenophobia or prejudice. Recently, I found myself grappling with an unexpected emotional conflict rooted in the political choices of my partner’s family, which has prompted deep reflection on identity, acceptance, and the socio-political landscape of the UK.
My Background and Arrival in the UK
I am a 23-year-old woman of Portuguese and Venezuelan descent. My journey to the United Kingdom began five years ago when I moved here to pursue my studies. Fortunately, I arrived during a period when the settlement schemes for EU nationals were being implemented, which simplified many bureaucratic processes — an advantage that many of my fellow immigrants from non-EU countries could only dream of.
Over the years, I settled into my new life, making friends, forming relationships, and contributing to my community. However, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges, especially regarding cultural acceptance and understanding.
Building a Relationship and Uncovering Unexpected Truths
I’ve been dating my partner, a British woman, for nearly two years. Our relationship has been a source of joy and growth. Nonetheless, recent revelations have significantly impacted my emotional well-being. I discovered that her parents voted for Brexit—a decision I deeply oppose and find hurtful given my immigrant background.
While her mother has always been kind and welcoming towards me, her father’s behavior has been more aloof, sometimes seeming to ignore my presence altogether. I initially attributed this to what I thought might be homophobia or general discomfort. I never imagined that their political stance on Brexit would be aligned with anti-immigrant sentiments.
Personal Experiences with Xenophobia
My experiences as an immigrant in the UK have ranged from subtle to overt. I often notice sighs when I introduce myself, and I have learned to spell my name carefully to avoid mispronunciations or dismissive responses. In the workplace, I’ve observed that my treatment can be noticeably different from that of British colleagues.
When political discussions arise socially, I’ve faced instances where I am told to “just go back,” a painful reminder of the hostility that still lingers. More recently, during the process of renting a new flat, a letting agency employee made a comment that he was