I get harassed about once or twice a week when I leave the house. As soon as it gets nice out and I want to be outside, I get punished for being outside.
At this point, even though I’m terrified, I put on lipstick and dress in the way that makes me feel good. Because it honestly doesn’t seem to matter what I wear. I get harassed in sweatpants or skirts. I might as well look the way I want to look if it’s going to happen anyway. I’m officially tired of being scared. I refuse to change the way I behave because street harassing men think my body belongs to them when it is outside.
I’m taking back my streets.
And when I walk my dog, I’m holding on to her poop bags for that special kind of street harasser who seems to think he’s safe in his car.
Do you have any suggestions for dealing with harassers and/or ending street harassment in general?
We need awesome male allies who are willing to speak up when they hear or see nasty ideas arise or get enacted in their communities of men. If we create a culture of shame around these behaviors, we can help make a serious dent in street harassment, sexual assault, and domestic abuse.
– SF
Location: Philadelphia, PA
