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What and incredible experience it was, to go back to Toronto and delve into a community that at different periods in my life embraced, alienated, supported, or intimidated me; the Iranian community. A very large population in Toronto that compared to Iranian diaspora elsewhere, has been very successful. Not only financially but also in terms of its presence in Canadian politics.

The majority of Iranians abroad, migrated after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and during the war with Iraq. Unlike the prominence of political emigres to European countries – Sweden, Germany – a large body of Iranian-Canadians have had the education and economic means, using Canada’s point-system immigration laws, to move there. It’s a diverse community with a strong understanding of what it means to be living in a multicultural society.

This was a very unique experience for me. To drive around the suburbs I grew up in as an awkward teen, the High School I went to as a disgruntled “Persian”, and around downtown Toronto where I digressed and made my way as a curious University student, more bothered by discovering new identities than holding on to the one I left behind in Iran.

I could go on, because Toronto is a city I know a lot about, and a city where I really got to know myself. In many ways it prepped me for London (where I go in the next episode). Just like the way Tehran prepped me for life.

But have a look for yourself, if you like. Here’s the link to the full one-hour episode. There’s a version with English subtitles that I’m releasing in the next few days and will add here.