#sexualharassment

Personal story-time: I once told a friend that was quite a handsome guy. No intention behind it, you know, just being nice and honest. Little did I know that said guy was a bit... mentally unstable, to say the least. The word got out to him that I found him handsome, and he became certain that I fancied him. Long story short, this escalated to him blocking me in the toilets of a pub and demanding that I first kiss him before he allowed me to go out to find my girlfriend (who is now my soon-to-be wife). Kissing him appeared easier than punching him at the time (also, given the relationships in the small town this happened, this could have been seen as a homophobe move by the majority, should he have decided to lie about what happened), so I just complied. I don't feel any kind of way towards this event, maybe just a bit uneasy since I became aware that this was sexual harassment (sexual assault?). It's the first time I talk about this outside of my best-friend and my future wife (and honestly, it strangely makes me feel good). Anyway, all of this to say: - I am still trying to be my best self and to be an ally whenever there is the need for one. - I've always been a feminist, but feel definitely more involved after living what millions to billions of women live each day. - I will never tell anyone any kind of compliment on their appearance anymore, except to my future wife (who probably is the best person I've ever met and deserves them all). #sexualharassment #cishet #lgbtq #ally