“Just an example of the average, normal experience of being female in public.”

I used to work the night shift in a lab, so I would take public transportation home each morning as all the day shift commuters traveled in the opposite direction. At the time, the distance from my stop to my front door was about a block.

One morning, in that short walk to my house, I jumped in shock halfway there because a complete stranger grabbed my rear. Completely furious, I turned and glared, only to be met with raucous laughter from this adult man and five of his buddies. I was 23 and 5’4”, and these men were easily in their late 30s, towering over me, and with considerably more muscle. I shut my mouth, aware of my vulnerability, and went home.

That’s not even close to the worst harassment I’ve received in my lifetime. Just an example of the average, normal experience of being female in public.

– KJT

Location: Portland, OR

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