#IllRideWithYou: Sydney Stands Up To Racism And Bigotry With One Beautiful Hashtag

Sydney was thrown into disarray yesterday, after an armed siege in the the busiest part of the city. It’s over now, but the tragic hostage drama has sparked anti-Muslim sentiment across the city, following reports that the incident may be politically motivated.

In a move that has completely floored me, Sydney’s and Australia’s social media users have united under one hashtag banner, pledging their solidarity with those who fear racially motivated and bigoted reprisals on public transport. This is #IllRideWithYou, and it’s beautiful.

It started last night with a simple tweet from Michael James, surrounding an incident involving two women on Sydney’s public transport network.

From there, @sirtessa decided to put her hand up, and offer to take a ride with anyone on public transport who was uncomfortable or expecting a bigoted response following today’s siege.

If you reg take the #373 bus b/w Coogee/MartinPl, wear religious attire, & don’t feel safe alone: I’ll ride with you. @ me for schedule. — Sir Tessa (@sirtessa) December 15, 2014

Maybe start a hashtag? What’s in #illridewithyou? — Sir Tessa (@sirtessa) December 15, 2014

Within two hours, tens of thousands of people have since put their hand up to ride with those who may be frightened to just catch the bus, train or ferry to work or school, in what is probably the most moving thing I’ve seen all day.

If you see racism or bigotry, speak up. We don’t stand for that here.

Keep being excellent to each other, Australia.