It was around 7:30pm on the T80 bus when I noticed a young man continually moving seats as people shuffled getting on and off the bus. I thought it was strange but I couldn’t figure out what he was doing. Then as my stop was coming up next, I moved over t

It was around 7:30pm on the T80 bus when I noticed a young man continually moving seats as people shuffled getting on and off the bus. I thought it was strange but I couldn’t figure out what he was doing. Then as my stop was coming up next, I moved over to a seat behind him so I could reach up and press the button without losing my balance. He moved from the seat in front of me and muffled to his friend, ‘I don’t want to die’. Then the light bulb hit. He was distancing himself from anyone that had an Asian appearance. It was 31 January 2020 and this was the day that COVID-19 had a direct impact on me.

So now it’s week 8 working from home for me. As an avid hiker, I walk 7km each morning to start my day and keep my trail legs moving. Each day the fear I experience on this daily walk is not only about being exposed to the virus, but possibly the racism I may have to endure as well. If there is a person walking towards me, I cross the road to avoid any confrontation about social distancing - just in case the other person isn’t satisfied with my distancing efforts, which may then lead to some racist remarks. I’m sure some of these people I pass are most relieved as I change directions.

I should have more faith in people, but the blatant and subtle racism I have experienced throughout my life has taught me that racism will continue to exist, and now the coronavirus fuels racism against Asian-Australians.