The Lonely Side of Being a Revert in Community Gatherings
Assalamu alaikum everyone, this is just me venting a bit. I reverted to Islam around four years back, alhamdulillah, it was the best decision of my life. I got married about two years ago, and since then, my husband has taken me to a few community events. Honestly, I dread going. 1. At these get-togethers, men and women are usually separate. I end up with the sisters, while my husband is with the brothers. I only really know my husband and a couple of his friends, so being apart from the few familiar faces leaves me feeling isolated from the start. 2. I don't wear the traditional outfits most of the sisters wear. I have a couple that were gifts, but I feel awkward putting them on, worried it might seem like I'm overstepping. Whether I wear them or my usual clothes, I can't shake the feeling of being watched and judged. 3. I don't speak their language. Every time I'm there, everyone is chatting away in their mother tongue, and I'm completely lost. No one switches to English, so I have zero idea what's being discussed. 4. Nobody really tries to talk to me. When I arrive, they see a white face and just say 'Hi,' while everyone else gets a warm 'Assalamu alaikum.' That stings. I'm Muslim too, so why not greet me properly? I'm mostly just ignored. On the rare occasions someone does speak to me, it often feels patronizing or full of assumptions. - 'Did you revert for your husband?' (No) 'Oh, then why did you?' - 'Is his family okay with the marriage?' (Yes.) - 'When we break our fast, it's our tradition to eat dates first.' (I know that.) - 'The food must be too spicy for you!' (Being white doesn't mean I can't handle flavor.) - 'Oh sorry, I'm just speaking in our language because it's easier, I'll tell you what we said later.' (Then what's the point of talking to me now?) - 'Should we put on some music you'd like?' And there's more. I know a lot of this comes from cultural differences, but honestly, it's so isolating and hurtful. It happens every single time. I end up feeling judged, out of place, and completely alone. I know I shouldn't let it get to me, and I shouldn't judge them for maybe judging me. But how am I supposed to feel part of the community if it doesn't feel like there's a place for me? I'm already dealing with enough as a revert.