Introduction

I was born and raised in Sri Lanka. I moved to Australia 9 years ago, in 2010. Because of love, I had decided to come to Switzerland for a holiday. So here I am in Switzerland.

Switzerland

Switzerland has been great thus far. I have now spent 9 days in Switzerland, having spent most of my time in Basel, Switzerland. I also visited three other major cities, Zürich, Geneva and Lausanne.

Swiss people have been very friendly towards me. They have gone out of the way to help me, show me directions. I have been so surprised by their friendly nature. But I also happen to notice some underlying subtle “Questioning”.

I do feel gender and sexuality diversity is still a novelty for this country. It doesn’t mean, people are good or bad, it just means there is an education piece that is missing.

Last night I was drunk, returning from a Festival. A few good looking girls and boys got into the tram who appeared to be after some sports practice. They were speaking in German, but one guy in particular had to mention “Gay or Trans” a couple of times while looking at me. Now, I don’t know what they were talking about. But,

Before I become Gay or Trans, I am Human!

I didn’t appreciate their open discussion. I guess my expectations of western world to be inclusive and accomadating is very high. These countries have most money matters resolved, so they should have enough time and energy to focus on social issues.

Australia

All I’ve ever heard in the last 9 years in Australia is how backwards Australia is. Most Australians put rest of the Western nations up on a pedastal, and put Australia down.

But I don’t believe Australia is backwards anymore. Yes, you can find a bit of racism and we had to run a huge campaign for marriage equality. But now marriage between same Gender is recognised in Australia. Most of the young generation are inclusive and embrace Immigrants, Original Land Owners, and Elders of Australia. The young generation is so passionate about Protecting Children, and Protecting Earth.

Back in 2015, I have partied in Toowoomba, Queensland, which is said to be “Bogan”, “Racist”, and “Homophobic”. In fact I was there with my former Swiss lover. We were misbehaving on the streets quite drunk. Openly kissing and fighting (Yep. We were wasted!!! 🤦‍♂️). We were completely and utterly carefree. The rest of the world vanished for us there. I experienced no racism, or homophobia in so called “Bogan Toowoomba”. In fact I have now made great friends from Toowoomba.

Switzerland vs Australia

Having experienced 4 major cities in Switzerland, being Basel, Zürich, Geneva, and Lausanne, I do feel Switzerland is a lot more behind in terms of diversity inclusiveness than Australia.

Good news is, I know I will be heading home to Australia, knowing I have made the best choice in my life by choosing Australia as my new home 9 years ago.

Thank you Switzerland for teaching me what a blessed home I have. I suggest you learn some cool stuff from Down Under, from Australia.

Thank you Australia for adopting me.

I Love You Australia!

Advance Australia Fair

Australians all let us rejoice
For we are young and free
We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil
Our home is girt by sea
Our land abounds in nature’s gifts
Of beauty rich and rare
In history’s page, let every stage
Advance Australia Fair
In joyful strains then let us sing
Advance Australia Fair

Beneath our radiant Southern Cross
We’ll toil with hearts and hands
To make this Commonwealth of ours
renowned of all the lands
For those who’ve come across the seas
We’ve boundless plains to share
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia Fair
In joyful strains then let us sing
Advance Australia Fair