Whenever we hear about refugees or people with refugee backgrounds, they tend to be painted as these one-dimensional, flawless heroes and victims who only know suffering and long for their homeland.

And then there’s us.

The first generation kids.

The ones our parents poured their entire life savings, hopes and dreams into. The ones our parents fled wars for. Who grew up on a diet of burgers, cereal and pop culture. Who were made to translate official documents and answer the phone because our English was better. Who are probably not doctors or lawyers. Sorry. Who had to eat our smelly foods on the sly. Who lurk in the shadows and grow up hiding our identities. Afraid that, once our origin stories are discovered, people will start treating us differently. Start pitying us - or worse still - start putting us on a pedestal and making us their token refugee friend, like a woke accessory.

While we carry the burden of our family’s trauma, we are also masters at blending in and minimising ourselves as we try to make sense of it all.

Well, we've come of age now. We're ready to talk about it.

@TheFirstGens


What is The First Gens?

The First Gens is an extension of the weird and wonderful conversations that you have (or want to have) as you navigate life with relatives who are refugees.

Part lols + part self-care, this is a safe space for first gens to be seen and heard, give virtual hugs and flourish.

Sign up for a monthly dive as we explore what it means to be a first generation refugee in a modern world.


About me

Lin Taylor was born and bred in Australia after her family fled Vietnam as refugees in the 1970s. She became interested in humanitarian issues from an early age, and now works as a journalist covering human rights.

Lin lives in London these days, but she is most at home swimming somewhere off the coast of Australia. 

@linnytayls

Subscribe to The First Gens

Part lols + part self-care, this is a safe space for first gen refugees to be seen and heard, give virtual hugs and flourish. Sign up for a monthly dive and join the fam! 🪴✨

People

A first generation refugee, journalist and mummy. Now in London, but Australia will always be home.