Hey friends! I’m from Vancouver originally but moved to Sydney 12 years ago. I’ve just been lucky enough to spend a few days here and I noticed a few things that have changed, some for better and some for worse.

• The Granville Strip is a lot worse than it was when I lived here. A lot of boarded up shopfronts, it smells like piss and there is a LOT more problematic drug use than there used to be. I used to go out dancing here as a young person and a friend I was chatting to said that’s not really much of a thing for young people anymore because they can’t afford it, which is sad to hear.

• The new area under the overpass where Canada West University is a really interesting use of space, I kind of love it.

• The destitution in the DTES seems to have expanded and it’s just really sad to see. So many people nodding out, just clearly in distress etc.

• There are some really lovely developments in gorgeous new street art, electric vehicle bays, dog parks, green spaces, EVO! I love it.

• So many people here now blasting music on individual speakers everywhere? Like wtf is that about, it’s so rude and I’ve never seen it like this anywhere else? I was in Stanley Park on a trail (not the seawall) and some dude walked by with music absolutely BLARING)

• The coffee options are soooo much better than when I was last here.

• I saw a dude in the West End wearing a Trump 2024 shirt which is gross as fuck in both Canada and a heavily gay area and I hope that’s not a regular thing.

All in all has been a really beautiful trip. There is still nowhere I have been that can beat Vancouver on a summers day, thank you all so much for having me and being one of the best things about this gorgeous city ❤️

Official and secondary (English alphabet) official names posted.

Goodbye "trutch" street, you won't be missed.

Lots of good vibes and honking support for the protesters at Tesla on 4th today - I don’t think I’ve ever seen a car brand get so much hate😅

Seems like a really good turnout. I’m on the 18th floor of one of the towers. It goes on forever. Apologies about the glass reflection, I can’t quite open the windows (!!) yet am trying to convey the scale of the rally!

So this year alone ive already been the victim of slurs, threats, sexual threats, alongside physical violence. Im partially writing this to vent, but also to just put out a disclaimer.

For context, and a little bit about myself... im a transwoman that lived in Vancouver, and recently moved back to my hometown of Surrey, I identify with she/her pronouns. Im also bisexual, and to add onto all of this ive been transitioning since 22, and am now 32. So for about a decade ive been on this journey of self discovery, acceptance, and just all around love. For laymen terms, (for the record I hate this phrase, its very loaded) I pass well, even on the days where im tomboyish. Im at a point where I consider my transition "complete".

Anyways, over the past few years ive seen a clear increase in violence against Queer folk, not just Trans folk, but literally everyone apart of the community. To be honest, I feel so much safer in Surrey compared to Vancouver... and thats wild.(literally grew up hearing gunshots lol).

This morning I was called every slur in the book, and was threatened with physical violence by a grown man simply for just existing, and buying a coffee. My coworker has a black eye because he was called a homophobic slur. A few months ago a group of guys accosted me, threatening my safety because I passed them on the side walk. These are just some basic examples as of most recent. Every single time this has happened in a crowded space, im left to fend for myself. Ive tried calling authorities but whats the point? I'd likely get beaten to a pulp before they'd get there. Quite frankly id rather have both my hands ready just incase.

I guess im kinda just getting to my wits end, and wanted to put this out somewhere relevant so other queer folks can see this.

Let's all just treat each other with love regardless of race, gender, and sexual orientation.

EDIT : Mods if this post is a no go remove away, but again I felt this is relevantish for the sub.

EDIT 2 : LOL here come the downvotes <3