I get harassed so frequently walking down the major streets of Georgetown in DC (M Street, Wisconsin Avenue) that I started using the C&O Canal to get around during lunch breaks and to head home after work. It’s been a great relief from harassment for the most part, but when I have to cross over and pass M Street the same old mess happens!
I got off the canal at 32nd so I could pick up lunch from Booeymonger. As I crossed M Street, some old man leaned into my space and said “Your boyfriend’s a lucky man,” or some garbage that started with “Your boyfriend…”.
Most of the harassment stories I’ve submitted have involved men of my own race (black) harassing me in the most vulgar and obnoxious ways. I’m used to my being a minority making me invisible in mostly-white settings like Georgetown, so getting harassed by an older white man threw me off guard a little. I have been harassed by white men in the past, but it’s a rare experience. I didn’t have a comeback ready like I normally would’ve in any other situation.
“Uh, I don’t have a boyfriend,” I said, in a lame attempt to tell this guy off. “And it’s none of your damn business whether I do or not!” Of course, this old fool has a big old grin on his face, so my retort didn’t faze him.
I hate being thrown off guard like that. Harassment comes when you never expect it.
– Tired of Being Harassed
Location: M & 33rd Street, Georgetown, DC
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