The last time that I was asked ‘Where are you from?’, was late at night at a party. I found it to be more of an inquisitive question, given that the person who asked me was a person of colour. It didn’t feel intrusive.
We spoke about our upbringing with ethnic parents, while comparing our experiences of being raised and educated in predominantly white suburbs and schools.
I remember that the question bothered me much more in my youth, as I only ever wanted to blend in with those around me.
Being singled out due to my ethnicity was very common in my early years of high school, and as time passed these experiences were diluted with the real friendships I made and my skin thickening.
These days when I’m asked this question, ‘Melbourne’ is my immediate answer - not for any reason other than this is the most accurate. I am rarely probed further when I give that answer, however, I do believe being a man allows me this misguided advantage.
I now feel pride in my roots and how I look.