In modern settings, the story could be set in a big city. The two male or female lovers might meet at a trendy nightclub or through a dating app. Their families' disapproval could be due to religious or traditional values. Social media could play a big role. For example, they might face public shaming on social platforms because of their relationship, but they still fight for their love.
One way is to make it about two young professionals. Maybe they work in a corporate environment where there's still some underlying homophobia. Their 'families' could be expanded to include their work colleagues who also oppose their relationship. They could communicate through modern means like texting and video calls. And instead of a sword fight, there could be a public argument or a legal battle over their relationship rights in the modern world.
Well, for a modern adaptation, the story could be set in a university campus. The two lovers are students. Their families might be from different cultural backgrounds with different views on same - sex relationships. The modern Romeo and Juliet could use campus resources like LGBTQ+ support groups to deal with the challenges. The feud could be more of an ideological one between different groups on campus, but they strive to be together despite all that.