Intermarriage in the Bhutanese Diaspora

Overview

Intermarriage between Bhutanese Americans and people from other ethnic backgrounds has become increasingly common as the second generation grows up in diverse American communities. This trend is a natural consequence of integration and is observed across all refugee and immigrant communities over time.

Community Perspectives

Views on intermarriage^[1] vary within the community:

• Older generations often express concern about cultural dilution and language loss
• Younger generations generally view intermarriage positively as a sign of integration and personal freedom
• Some families welcome mixed marriages while emphasizing the importance of maintaining cultural traditions

Cultural Negotiation

Intermarried families often navigate hybrid cultural practices — celebrating both Dashain/Tihar and American/Christian holidays, cooking both Bhutanese and other cuisines, and making decisions about which cultural traditions to pass to children.

References

1. "Can a foreigner marry a Bhutanese?" Daily Bhutan.
2. "Bhutan: Marriage Act." Refworld / UNHCR.
3. "Civics, Citizenship and Marriage Laws of Bhutan." Govinda Rizal, Bhutan Watch.
4. "Bhutan — Marriage and Family Life." Country Studies / Library of Congress.