List of interracial relationships in SF

This is a list of relationships (not one-night stands). Interracial relationships are probably more common in SF than one would think, for several reasons:

• as a demonstration of "progressiveness" of alternate societies, in contrast with racist present-day society
• relative dearth of characters of colour: inclusion of relatively few characters of color leads to interraciality of romantic partnering
• efforts to increase diversity of cast or color set

Depictions of relationships can reveal areas of continuing problems in SF, including representations of people of color, dealing with racism, etc.

• representations of people of color: Are characters of color placed in relationships with white people in part because there are no other characters of color, or because a relationship between two characters of color is thought to be less charged or less of interest to a (presumed) white audience?
• handling racism: is racism against the interracial couple realistically depicted, or realistically explained away?
• How are depictions of sexuality handled? Similar in quantity, quality, style to any non-interracial relationship in that same series or work? Or are there fewer scenes for the interracial relationship? Or are there resonances with racist themes and ideas (such as, black men are violent; Asian women are submissive; etc.)?

List

• Niki & DL on Heroes
• Zoe Alleyne & Wash on Firefly
• lesbian couple in S.M. Stirling's "Islands series"
• Robin Wood & Faith Lehane (arguably the beginning of a relationship) on Buffy
• Gunn & Fred on Angel
• Xena and Marcus on Xena: Warrior Princess
• George Orr and Heather Lelache in The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin
• characters in Octavia Butler, Kindred
• Rose Tyler & Mickey Smith, on Doctor Who (2005)

See also

• Uhura & Kirk kiss
• an article about racist rape tropes