I was born in France. So, theoretically I’m French. My dark complexion, however, seems to suggest I come from another country, maybe Africa. I have struggled a lot to answer one of the simplest questions: where do you come from?

Before I jump into giving an answer, I make a quick check of the people I meet and determine how much they’re willing to hear what I have to say.

If I believe they are open-minded and genuinely interested in knowing where I come from I come up with a detailed answer: “I was born in France but my parents are from the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and La Martinique.”

If I notice confusion in their reaction I throw in a couple of details about these Caribbean islands. If they still show interest, I talk about the Caribbean diaspora, its culture, tradition, the French culture and way of living.

If I sense they show little interest in my cultural background, I just say: “I come from France.”

Sadly, I often give the second reply. Every time I omit a part of my identity, I feel I’m remoulding myself so I can fit into a simplistic idea of heritage and nationality.

I have often been irritated about how little those I become acquainted with knew about the relationship between France and the French overseas territories.

My discomfort comes from feeling like an outsider rather than part of the historical differencewe share.

To my people, not knowing enough about the Caribbean puts me in the outsider category.

The fact that I only partially know about France, Guadeloupe, La Martinique and Africa, since I have an African decent, puts me at a disadvantage.

Yet, I cannot single out one of these countries to define my identity. Still, I know I am enriched by all the cultures I am a part of and, for that, I’m grateful.