Alyssa Huynh in-conversation with Yumiko Kadota

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.

Alyssa Huynh is a freelance writer from Melbourne. Alyssa began writing as a young girl, inspired by her trips to the library with her late grandfather. In 2020, she began sharing her thoughts on racism and connection to cultural identity through the Instagram account @alyssahuynhwritings and quickly gained a following for her poignant reflections and courageous anti-racism advocacy. Alyssa has worked as a diversity and inclusion advisor and contributed to publications including Mamamia, The Latch, Sydney Morning Heraldand the Shameless podcast.

Yumiko Kadota is a medical doctor from Sydney. She resigned from public hospital work after experiencing burnout and now works in medical education and private health. Her story entered mainstream media after she blogged in February 2019 about her experiences as a trainee in the health system, opening with the words: ‘I never thought I would say this, but I broke. I give up. I am done. I am handing back my dream of becoming a surgeon.’ Nowadays she’s rebuilding herself, starting with her health. She blogs on wide range of topics that reflect her various interests; eco-warrior, yogi, book worm. Her memoir is Emotional Female.