Growing up mixed race in Ireland, with activist and author Leon Diop

Growing up mixed race in Ireland, with activist and author Leon Diop

From How to be Irish by Úna Harty

November 28, 2025 · 53 min · Season 2 · Episode 8

About this episode

Úna Harty interviews Leon Diop about his experiences growing up mixed race in Ireland, discussing race, family, and personal growth.

In this episode, Úna speaks with Leon Diop, about his experiences of growing up in Tallaght as a mixed race. We cover race, ethnicity, family dynamics and class in this emotional conversation where Leon shares the difficulties he faced during his childhood and teenage years, and how he turned his life around, all while grappling with his mixed race identity. We discuss: Racism in Ireland His relationship with his Senegalese father Cultural and religious differences How fear is the greatest motivator Why we should be hopeful Find Leon’s book ‘Mixed Up: An Irish Boy’s Journey to Belonging’ in all good bookstores in Ireland, including Books Upstairs and Dubray Books in Dublin. You can also order it directly from the publisher, Little Island . Follow Black and Irish on social. Follow Leon on social.

People in this episode

Host: Úna Harty

Guest: Leon Diop

Topics covered

  • mixed race identity
  • racism in Ireland
  • family dynamics
  • cultural differences
  • personal growth
  • hope

Keywords

  • mixed race
  • Ireland
  • racism
  • identity
  • family
  • cultural differences
  • personal growth
  • hope

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Books Upstairs, Dubray Books, Little Island, Black and Irish

Books & works: Mixed Up: An Irish Boy’s Journey to Belonging

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