Downtown Toronto: Some Truths

I worked in downtown Toronto for 2 years being an immigrant.
Here are some unsolicited incidents that happened to me:

• Racial slurs on the subway — just for being Asian.
• Middle fingers. Random shouting: “Get the f*** outta here.”
• Fake smiles at work when I spoke with an accent.
• A woman once told me to lower my headphones volume on a noisy streetcar. She did not speak kindly. It was as if I didn’t belong.
  (I asked if she had sunscreen on, provoked her— her legs looked like they’d burn.)

There’s more. Worse. But for now, I’ll just say this:

If you’re a newcomer, an immigrant, someone trying to stand your ground in a new place —
I see you.

You don’t owe them proof.
Just keep learning. Keep growing. Every single day.
Even when no one claps.
That quiet strength? That’s power. 💪