Yesterday I was walking across Castro in San Francisco. I had my headphones in (as usual) but I could hear a guy catcalling me and trying to get my attention. I kept walking even as he kept calling after me. When I reached the end of the block I checked to see if he had followed me, but thankfully he had not. Street harassment for me has never become ugly or violent, so I count myself extremely lucky for that. However, a moment like that made me wonder if it could.
Optional: What’s one way you think we can make public places safer for everyone?
A woman doesn’t owe a man her time or attention, especially that of a stranger. We need to teach boys from a young age that catcalling is completely inappropriate to do to any woman. It makes women feel uncomfortable and unsafe in public spaces.
– Elle Cee
Location: San Francisco, CA
Need support? Call the toll-free National Street Harassment hotline: 855-897-5910
Share your street harassment story for the blog.
See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for ideas.
