Safe Space: My experience of racism in Australia and how I found hope through community

by Alyssa Huynh

'A searingly honest and impassioned account of being an advocate in the social media era, Alyssa's voice is fierce, urgent and brave; and filled with deep familial love. This book burns with an urgency and clarion call to action.' Alice Pung, author of One Hundred Days
This is a book for anyone who believes that racism has no place in Australia’s future and is ready to take action.

‘I’ve played the role of the quiet and embarrassed Asian girl who shyly laughs along more than I should have in my lifetime. Enough is enough.’

Growing up, Alyssa Huynh heard stories from her family about their journey from Vietnam to Australia following the fall of Saigon and the racism they experienced upon arrival. While the discrimination she faced was different, she never quite felt like she belonged either.

Longing for a safe space, she turned to the internet. Through sharing her writing online, she created a supportive community for fellow Asians and people of colour with similar experiences, as well as for allies.
When some of her views went viral, important conversations were sparked, but there was also racist backlash – showing her that the work was necessary and her voice had impact.

Honest and heartfelt, Safe Space is unapologetically angry and sincerely hopeful. Alyssa explores the challenges she has faced as an Asian-Australian and those that made her the advocate she is today. She also offers practical advice, both to those who are victims of racism and wish to add their voice to the discourse or deepen their connection to their cultural identities, and to allies who want learn more about how they can meaningfully show their support.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2024

About the author

Alyssa Huynh is from the western suburbs of Melbourne, Australia and is a Debut Author, an Asian-Australian Writer, Anti-Racism Advocate, D&I Advisor and Speaker.

Inspired by her late grandfather, who she shared a very special connection with, and the many library visits he took her and her older sister on throughout their childhood, she developed a love for the power of words. She started writing in her final years of high school, sharing inspirational and motivational pieces on life and love through a self-titled blog and Instagram where she formed a beautiful community.

Around 2020, things changed for Alyssa and she decided to start speaking on anti-racism and her experiences and identity as a Vietnamese-Australian woman and things that deeply moved her, leading her to lend her voice and thoughtful reflection through her powerful social commentary, articles and interviews. She has grown a following of over 19,000 people on social media and believes in the importance of connection and community.

She is an accomplished writer and blogger, having contributed to mainstream and influential press and media, including online publications like Mamamia, The Latch, Sydney Morning Herald and Shameless and having her work spotlighted by the likes of 7NEWS Australia and Daily Mail.

Reviews

[Rina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Growing up, Alyssa Huynh heard stories from her family about their journey from Vietnam to Australia following the fall of Saigon and the racism they experienced upon arrival. While the discrimination she faced was different, she never quite felt like she belonged either. Alyssa explores the challenges she has faced as an Asian-Australian and those that made her the advocate she is today.

This was a collection of essays which presented Alyssa’s viewpoint on various racism-related topics, derived from her own experience. As an Asian myself, I related to a lot of those experiences and I found myself nodding at Alyssa’s commentaries.

While thankfully I don’t experience as much racism in my day-to-day life, I still come across some remarks occasionally. Alyssa made a really good point about being a supportive society that allows people to express their feelings when they’re offended, instead of just brushing it off. That’s how we can build a safe space for everyone.

Last but not least, I tabbed this particular quote in my copy: “If you can no longer stay silent on an issue that means so much to you, I am here cheering you on and I want you to know that not everyone is ready to hear your voice but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't use it.”

(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Australia for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)

See my bookstagram review.

[kaitlyns_library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this really insightful and such an important read

[Huong Vu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thing that makes me like this book the most is her honesty, there is one part of it which is something I have experienced my whole time living in Australia but no one has talked or cared about enough: internal racism,

After the fall of previous government in 1975, Vietnam continued to be separated into two parts: Vietnamese who believein the west and the other Viet who believe in the communist regime. However, anyone who has not had a chance to leave the country by boat (you need a lot of money, have to take insurmountable of risks not just being captured but also may be even die at sea) got caught in the middle of political battle and this leads to the bigger issue: Viet hating their own blood. I know this for a fact that most Viet people in the west view the mainland Viet as an inferior type and treat us as such,

My family on the other hand, used to work and serve the American government but because of my grandma, my Mum stayed back to take care of her and didn’t fleece the country with my aunts and that’s why I didn’t come to Australia later on and that’s why I wasn’t born in Australia to acquire an Australian accent and this is where my life of torture took place,

I have experienced both forces of discrimination: the one from Caucasian and the other one from my own community the Viet that have settle here earlier and the ones that were born here,

I had to spend years in therapy because I have no clue why people hated me so much and it’s a very hard place to be when your own people also dislike you for no apparent reason and when I talked about internal racism I have got gaslighted so hard to the extent that I started to question my own sanity,

I somehow managed to build a very successful life for myself despite being socially excluded in Australia and now I no longer hate my own people who mistreated me because I understand why they do what they do and I am so glad I have found this book to confirm my own theory,

I agreed with most of the things she wrote but I think she is a bit lost still herself and I wish her a successful healing path :)

[Saila Reinius · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me, there were some interesting parts when the author elaborated on what is it like to be an Asian. The book is important and helps the world to be a better place. When I review a reading experience I review how I experienced the quality of the book, and for me this book was worth 3 stars due to the middle section which contained a prolonged logical ballet dance in a blaming tone on what is racism. After that section the author continues to aim to inspire the reader to aid in the change. I feel the author would have benefited in understanding psychology of feedback that first you need to establish trust and then the receiver is able to receive the feedback.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content is important but there was a lot of fluff. Especially in the advice she was giving. I was expecting essays of her experiences and expertise but there was a lot of waffling on and repetition of what she already wrote a paragraph or chapter prior.

Also - the chapter “the trust game” made me feel strange… like what is the purpose??? I highly, highly doubt that people who get called out on racism would make it that far through the book just to get some advice on what to do next. A more purposeful placement would be towards the front. No one is going to read through to the end if they’ve been confronted about their racism…

I’m really scratching my head here.

[Wynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Coming into the book I thought I would share of lots of experiences with the author, being an asian or in asian immigrant community in Australia or Melbourne in particular.

I don’t know if I’d agree with every single of her opinions but I do realise and appreciate the benefits of an activiist towards positive changes.

I have to say though, she has way too harsh perspective and opinions on things I’d not even bat an eyelid or consider it as offensive or racist. Each and everyone has their own way to appreciate their culture, roots and respects others but Alyssa wants all things black and white in her own ways, to me, this isn’t healthy.

[Temwani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow! As an African women that has grown up in Australia, taking time to consider the similarities and nuances of racism shared between POC was really important. This book reaffirmed truths of my personal experience but also opened my eyes about how to hold space to hear out the experiences of Asian individuals.

“Not your Asian Fetish” was a very eye opening chapter amongst, “Me, Myself and I”. Such an informative read and a pivotal step in the right direction as a literary piece to overcome the reality of the racism woven into Australian society.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Huynh's story specifically around her identification as Asian (specifically Vetnamese) and Australian and how those identities have interacted, especially how others perceive her. I think this book would have benefitted from more structure, but it was a really good read. Huynh also gives specific examples of ways to act when one is the victim of or witness to racism and a list of ways in which white people can support people of color. I highly recommend the audiobook, as it is read by the author.

I was provided with a free ALC for library employees by Libro.fm.

[Josephine Giang · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really connected with Alyssa when she spoke on her experience growing up and wanting/needing to fit in so that she would be accepted by her white friends. Other than that, I felt like the book was all over the place and redundant. I also didn't appreciate the back and forth of what to do if you're an Asian American/Australian facing racism versus what you should do if you're an ally.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Equal parts traumatically vulnerable and fierceness reborn anew, Huynh makes this a beautiful read. Her writing is clear, her voice is strong and throughout it all her style feels true to her previous writings whilst becoming entirely new.
This review is due to receiving an advance reader copy.

[Chairs Soon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised by the amount of racism in Australia, it's definitely a subject not addressed, and I think this book did a great job of it.

[Debs · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[astrid bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

very insightful, and i loved the letter at the end :’)