I decided to walk to the bank from my office since it is only two blocks away. I wore a cardigan over a tank top since it was chilly in the morning but by midday it was hot, but I still decided to keep the cardigan on because I might attract attention wearing just a tank top. One block into the business district, a man twirling a sign saw me and began to make comments about my body, making kissing noises and licking his lips.
It made me feel disgusting and verbally abused, I did not give this person any authority to talk to me and less to make me feel inferior. I did not reply as I tried to process what he had just said and kept walking, hoping that ignoring it would make me feel better, but I just felt worse for not standing up for myself.
Optional: What’s one way you think we can make public places safer for everyone?
Making public spaces cleaner, having more lighting, enforcing policies that protect public space.
– DV
Location: El Monte, 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.
