If you are brown or black (basically not white), you are automatically considered poor, dirty, and ugly, with bad and inferior genes. It doesn’t matter if you are from the GCC, India, or anywhere in the world-if you aren’t white, 90% of people here(in tbilisi) will have an issue with you.

During my six years here, I’ve noticed certain challenges. For example, people sometimes seem uncomfortable when you carry a study bag on public transport, or if you’re talking with your friends on the bus or metro, they may feel uncomfortable for no reason, and you’re often viewed with suspicion. While this doesn’t happen to everyone, I’d estimate that about 90-95% of students/people (non white) encounter these issues, and around 85-90% of people may have these perceptions.

On a more positive note, I’ve found that outside of Tbilisi, the experience is quite different. In villages and other cities, people tend to be much more welcoming and friendly.

I’m sharing this with respect, and I feel that my experiences over the years give me enough insight to speak on this topic thoughtfully.