The Ten Unwritten Rules of the Internet

There has been a lot of conversation about the video titled “Hollaback” documenting the street harassment experienced by a young lady walking the streets of New York. Commentary on the video has created a backlash among some men ranging from the #NotAllMen hashtag to rape threats against Shoshana Roberts, the woman in the video. All of which point to a heavy ignorance over what harassment is and what it, in fact, feels like. A lifelong New Yorker, I have been harassed on the street by men. I can say for a fact that it is neither fun nor endearing. I have dealt with unwanted advances by men while walking the streets alone, with friends and with my wife. They ranged from the passive-aggressive “You look nice” to full-on catcalls from across the street including one incident where a number of men loudly proclaimed their amorous intent.

I feel there are a couple things I should say before going any further as to avoid the wrath of those of you reading this piece.

1. I understand that this is not an apples to apples comparison. My few experiences with street harassment pale in comparison to what women endure on a daily basis.
2. This is not a commentary on gay men, who by and large are neither harassers nor predators. If anything I am acknowledging that regardless of sexuality, men share some similar traits, both positive and negative. My comparison is for the sake of understanding the physical intimidation/discomfort of being harassed in the street by someone your size or larger.

[Read more…] about What Men Don’t Understand About Harrasment From a Guy Who Has Been Harrassed

Kiesha Jenkins, a 22-year-old trans woman of color, was beaten and shot to death by a group of men in North Philadelphia early Tuesday morning becoming the 18th trans woman of color killed in the U.S. this year.

Jenkins was attacked around 2:30 am when according to Philly.com five or six men “surrounded and beat her”. After the beating one of the men pulled a gun and shot her in the back. In a statement to the Philadelphia Gay News Philadelphia Homicide Capt. James Clark said, “Obviously, it looks like she was targeted, but we don’t know yet for what reason.” Philadelphia detectives are currently searching for surveillance tape of the incident as well as the person who had been driving Jenkins. [Read more…] about Kiesha Jenkins Becomes the 18th Trans-Woman of Color Killed This Year