Of the 20 years I’ve spent in the city of Sydney I’ve rarely experience explicit racism. In fact the only two times I have is when attempting to attend god-awful tacky seedy bars on George St.

Once was trying to enter Pavillion Hotel on a Sunday morning (it is the only place open after a long Saturday night, although now I have half a brain I wouldn’t go there anyway, so seedy!) where I was told “No Asians Allowed”. I of course kicked up a fuss, arguing with the manager who conceded to let me in (I then refused to step in the place) and then emailing several different people and getting printed in various different street press.

Last night I had an English friend wanting to meet up in Star Bar (another awful place, but cheap drinks before 11). But when I got there I was asked if I was there for the “private backpackers function” to which I just nodded, but they refused me entry (I watched as they let anyone non-Asian in and barred any Asians.) Eventually I had to get my friend to come down from the place. They finally let me in, but I said to my friend in a loud voice “why the fuck should I come into this place?”

But it was his farewell so I reluctantly went in, and when I left gave a piece to the security guard who gave me cheek (“You think I care what you think?”). His response makes no difference to me, the fact that nothing I can do will change their policy doesn’t make a difference, I have a moral obligation to myself to stand up for myself and I never accept shit like that.