Dual Realities: The Unique and Multilayered Experiences in Multiracial Families

Multiracial families are diverse and their experiences with racism and discrimination vary depending on their social position. The intersections of race, class, and gender affect multiracial families in a variety of ways. Similar to monoracial minority families, multiracial families experience racism and discrimination from society, however, due to their mixed cultural heritage their experiences are unique and multilayered. Further, unlike any other family, multiracial families also can experience racism and discrimination from within their family. In this paper, we discuss the inherent diversity within multiracial families and the unique experiences of racism and discrimination they encounter. We then introduce and explicate, what we term, the dual realities experienced by individuals in multiracial families.