Alyssa Huynh is a Vietnamese-Australian Writer, Author, Anti-Racism Advocate, Educator, and Speaker, dedicated to fostering reflection, dialogue, and meaningful change through education, storytelling, and the written word.
Photographer: Raye Scerri Films
Alyssa Huynh has over a decade of writing experience, starting by sharing life and love advice. In 2020, she shifted focus to use her platform in the name of vulnerability, addressing racism and embracing her Vietnamese heritage. As an Asian-Australian woman, Alyssa inspires others through her personal experiences, fostering meaningful connections and advocating for diversity and inclusion.
DEBUT BOOK
DEBUT BOOK
‘I’ve played the role of the quiet and embarrassed Asian girl who shyly laughs along more than I should have in my lifetime. Enough is enough.’
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. This is a book for anyone who believes that racism has no place in Australia’s future and is ready to take action.
Featured Podcast Episode
Featured Podcast Episode
In this SAFE SPACE episode we're going to find out what it's like to experience racism, when Jess sits down with Alyssa Huynh who shares her experience of living with racial prejudice as a young Vietnamese Australian. Alyssa hasn't always felt empowered to speak out, and you’ll hear first hand what it's like to experience internalised racism and self-hatred as she openly shares the shame she felt as a ‘Self Hating Asian’ and the objectification she’s faced in dating and sex. There is so much we can learn from Alyssa including the crucial role we can play as Allies by standing up against racism in our own social circles, and the importance of challenging and unlearning biases and stereotypes to create a safe space for all Australians to share their experiences.
Support and follow Alyssa’s writing and articles over at Substack
Featured Podcast Episode
Featured Podcast Episode
Australian-Vietnamese author and activist Alyssa Huynh opens up about how her parents and grandparents experienced awful racism in Australia and speaks about how anti-Asian racism is still a huge issue that must be called out.
How Alyssa Can Inspire, Empower, and Advocate:
Debut Book
Safe Space is an exceptionally heartfelt and honest account of Alyssa's journey as an Asian-Australian woman navigating racism, identity, and cultural connection. From enduring hate and harassment for speaking out against racism in the online space to exploring her deepening connection with her Vietnamese heritage, this book is part memoir, part self-help guide. Beyond sharing her personal story and her family's experience of fleeing Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon, Alyssa offers advice, practical tips, and empowering insights for those who relate to her experiences and for allies who want to stand in solidarity with POC (People of Colour) in meaningful ways.
Public Speaking & Hosting
Alyssa is available for public speaking and hosting opportunities, where she shares her lived experiences and expertise on a variety of topics, including anti-racism, cultural identity, and allyship. Whether it’s speaking about her creative journey and the process of writing her book or offering advice on how to support others who experience racism, Alyssa brings a thoughtful, vulnerable, and articulate perspective, and her delivery is known for being graceful, inspiring, and poignant.. Her talks are tailored to meet your needs and can include topics such as personal resilience, using your voice for change, and embracing cultural roots.
School Visits — Empowering Students to Challenge Racism
Freelance Writing & Advocacy
The vision behind Alyssa's Safe Space school talks and workshops is to provide high school students with a powerful platform where they feel empowered to recognise and confront racism and discrimination. Through personal storytelling and engaging dialogue, Safe Space encourages students to embrace both their own cultural identity and those of their peers, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for diversity and multiculturalism. By offering students a sense of belonging and advice on how to heal from racism if it’s something they’ve experienced and equipping them with the tools and confidence to take a stand against injustice, Safe Space aims to create a more inclusive, compassionate, and empathetic community where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.
Alyssa is open to freelance writing opportunities, offering insightful and impactful commentary on issues of race, identity, and inclusion. Whether for articles, blog posts, or thought pieces, her writing brings depth and empathy to conversations around anti-racism, cultural awareness, and the power of storytelling. Additionally, Alyssa is deeply committed to advocacy work, particularly for underrepresented youth and the Asian community, and is available to collaborate on projects that amplify diverse voices and foster systemic change.
Support resources.
If you have experienced racial discrimination, you make a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission. You can also phone the Commission for advice on 1300 656 419 04 or (02) 9284 9600. Go to Racism. It Stops With Me, a national anti-racism campaign of the Australian Human Rights Commission’s ‘Reporting Racism’ page for more information on how to report.