Ianthea Mobley, 21, said she doesn’t think UF is as inclusive as it should be when it comes to interracial couples.
To help address the issue of interracial couples being stigmatized, the UF interior design and African studies senior is helping organize the first-ever interracial dating forum Wednesday at 6 p.m. The discussion will be held at the Institute of Black Culture and hosted by the Asian Pacific Islander American Affairs and Black Affairs. While the forum is open to all interracial couples, the relationship between Asian and black couples will be highlighted.
Mobley said interracial couples at UF sometimes receive dirty looks and rude comments. They can be the brunt of stereotypes, she said.
UF digital arts sophomore Emma Raymaker will attend the event. She said she is interested in listening to students’ stories.
The 19-year-old, who identifies as Asian American, is currently dating an Italian. One of her previous boyfriends was black, and she said the stigma surrounding their relationship was greater than her current one.
"There’s always that, I guess, fear that people would be rude," she said.
UF horticultural science sophomore Elizabeth Barrido said she wants to learn about why interracial relationships are stigmatized.
"There is a lack of experience with people of different cultures, and the unfamiliarity makes people uncomfortable," Barrido, 19, said.
Mobley said the group will look at statistics and pop-culture references that support the discussion. There will also be a speed dating activity for Asian and black students.
"I think that Asian and black couples aren’t something talked about when you think of interracial dating," she said. "So that’s why we wanted to do something different."
