I run for the cross country team at my high school. It shouldn’t matter, but I am a female runner. Because of this street harassment is something I experience almost weekly. Men think it is appropriate to honk, whistle and yell at me and my team while we run. One time a passenger held a sign that said, “Show me your boobs” (to teenage girls!)

Because I was, and still am afraid of cat calls and honking, running alone is a luxury I don’t often indulge. When I do I try to wear pants and would never wear a tank top or spandex even when its a hot afternoon.

What bothers me most is that the boys always run shirtless, no one bothers them. I deserve to wear whatever I want and feel safe. I am so glad to be a part of stopping street harassment week because no one should have to endure being publicly embarrassed.

– Clarissa

Location: Chino Hills, California

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I’m in high school (ninth grade) and I’m on the girl’s lacrosse team. Every day we have practice I take the bus afterwards and walk about half a mile home by myself. Today, I was walking down Haldeman Avenue and I noticed a guy on a bike slowly riding behind me. As usual, I moved to the side so he could pass.

Instead of continuing his journey he started to ride next to me and ask my questions about my age, school, grade and where I lived. Unfortunately I was wearing my old elementary school spirit tee shirt so he knew what elementary school I attended and started asking me questions about it. I ignored him but he wouldn’t stop. At this point I started to get a bit uncomfortable because he was riding alongside me as I was walking in the direction of my house.

That’s when the inappropriate stuff began. He started commenting on my butt and breasts, telling me a bunch of inappropriate things he wanted to do to me. He told me that he wanted to be my boyfriend. The guy had to be at least 20-25. I started to get even more scared because nobody else was really walking around us and there were no intersections so I felt like I couldn’t cross the road to get away from him. Plus, he had a bike so he’d easily be able to catch up with me.

He kept asking for my name which I refused to give him. Finally, he remembered I was ‘jailbait’ and finally left but told me he’d be waiting for me next Thursday. I rushed home and told my friend what happened. Since she is also on the team she told me her mom would drive me home after every practice. I feel super uncomfortable walking anywhere alone because I have bad dreams of seeing him again but this time he’d follow me home. Keep in mind that this happened in broad daylight (about 5:00 PM EST). I feel great knowing I can share this story and know I’m not alone.

– Anonymous

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Sometime last summer, I found myself in the middle of Times Square with 4 people (3 women, 1 man), waiting to begin work for my internship. A man came up to us, in the middle of Times Square, and began asking me where I’m from. I knew this routine and told him New York—blatantly showing my disinterest (if you know me, you know I can have the ILL stank face.)

He pursued, as I knew he would, asking where I was really from. I said New York. He continued. I gave in-Ethiopia. The other 4 were watching and listening (and smiling) as this man continued. “What is your name?”

“I’m working,” I told him.

“What is your name?”

I probably either told him Assefash or Sara, but I don’t remember. He said, “Give me your number.”

I said, “I’m not interested.”

“Give me your number,” he began to move closer. One woman laughed and said, “Haha, I don’t think she’s interested, sir.”

He didn’t even pause to look at her, “Oh, she’s interested. Write your name and number on a $100 bill and give it to me.”

“Seriously, I’m working and I’m not interested.”

“No—write your name and number on a $100 bill and give it to me.”

“Leave me alone-I don’t want to have this conversation!”

He finally waved his hand and continued on his way—through the middle of Times Square. The 4 people laughed it off and we continued to work.

I’m sharing this story because this week is International Anti-Street Harassment Week and I’m asking you all to take a moment to engage with the movement in one way or another. I’m still trying to figure out how I can really do something, myself. Street Harassment is a real thing, despite people’s tendency to brush it off as, “Oh, they’re just flirting,” or “Oh, it happens all the time-don’t be so sensitive.” Whether or not the intention to threaten is there, street harassment does just that. Let’s continue the fight for equitable and safe streets.

– ATM

Location: Times Square, NYC

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I was recently, on two separate occasions, called a “F” & thrown pennies at while walking in my own neighborhood. It was a terrifying & humiliating experience. And while those thugs did make me 5 cents richer, it was totally uncalled for, especially in 2013. What a reminder of the struggles the gay community still faces – even in L.A!

– Dave Cano

Location: Los Angeles, CA

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I have had several disturbing experiences with street harassment. My most recent experience is as follows:

Last week I was exercising at the track around the corner from my house. I noticed a man loitering around between where I was exercising and the public toilets close by me. He was there for a long while just watching. I didn’t think anything of it and walked home with my music turned up loud on my ipod. A few minutes after arriving home I decided to go to the store.

Outside, I noticed a couple of police cars but didn’t think anything of that either. As I neared the store, two police men walked toward me from a side street. They stopped me, telling me they were waiting for me to pass and needed to talk to me. They asked me, “Have you noticed the man following you?”

I responded that I had no idea and that I had my music on really loud. They asked, “Has a man approached you this morning?” and I said no, no one had.

They then proceeded to tell me that I must be extremely careful and alert all my friends that the man who was following me had been reported by several people, loitering around my house, and that he had been masturbating on the street.

It is frustrating to not feel safe doing a regular, everyday things like exercising and going to the store.

What’s even more frustrating is some of the reactions to my experience from some of my close guy friends. Things like, “I can’t believe the police caught me!!” or “I know I shouldn’t laugh but that’s hilarious!” or “If that were me I’d take it as a compliment” or “You must be flattered.” Are you kidding me? THERE IS NOTHING FUNNY OR FLATTERING ABOUT BEING FOLLOWED!

– Anonymous

Location: Sydney

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