Scared to introduce my bf to my extended family because of their racist prejudices

Clara • Clara 🤍

My bf and I (22, 23) have been together unofficially for about a year but on paper for a few months. He’s originally from Egypt and was raised by parents who are Muslim, although him and his siblings don’t partake in the religion really. I was raised in a strict Christian household but am not a Christian myself; my immediate family has been very open to him.

Long story short: my grandparents are fairly racist and hold to religious and cultural stereotypes when it comes to middle eastern people specifically. My cousins are also Christians and although more open to others, they hold negative and oppressive ideas about Islam. Thanksgiving weekend is coming up next weekend in Canada and I wanted to introduce him to my extended family. I am so nervous if I do that they might say something offensive or disrespectful to him which is in NO way acceptable and I will not tolerate it.

I am not sure how to approach this. Should I first mention it to them that I’m dating him or just full send and show up with him to the dinner and hope they remain respectful?

Additional info: They don’t even know about him yet because I know at least my grandparents will have a strong reaction. I heard my grandma flat out say a few weeks ago “Muslims and Christian’s should not mix.” I was going to break the news to them earlier but then my cousin got engaged and I know she would be upset if I “overshadowed her news” with my news.