By Jess Lee

What the fuck?!

What the fuck am I supposed to do with that?

I don’t have any more room for any more unsolicited compliments at random intervals of my reckless ass life.

I “made your day”?  Well I’m so happy for that. I’m so happy to interrupt my recovery to peel your eyes off my body with a polite “good night” only to have your leering launched at me verbally.

And so. For you.

When I turn to you… and I tell you that your comment, and its intention, is disgusting … Don’t look surprised!

When I tell you that you’re being inappropriate and I search for your badge number, don’t flinch.

And when I tell you that to be forced to respond to your comment is beneath me … don’t roll your eyes at me. Trust me, this could be a lot worse for you.
And for the rest of you. . .

Don’t peel your fingers under my hem to pull my skirt down. It’s hiked up for a very, very good reason.

Strange man, don’t adjust my tag, I can survive looking like a pile of laundry.

Use your words!

Stop shouting from the car. Is your home training in the trunk of your vehicle?

Don’t stare. For fuck-sakes don’t stare. It’s creepy and uncomfortable and … trust me… not flattering.

Yes, I’m a dyke. No you cannot call me a dyke, because I didn’t answer your siren song of “Damn, baby.”

Just give me my damn receipt. I’m not in the mood for your jokes. Jesus Christ do you stop every person who comes in here to subject them to your troglodyte shenanigans?  I have a schedule!

Dude who followed me around Target because you thought you “knew me from the internet”. Thank you for the follow-up message. My reply: Really? Really?

I’m not pretty for a Black girl. I’m a fucking gorgeous human being. Because I say so … not because you windshield wipered your passive-racism out of your eyes today.

You’re standing much too close to me. I know it. You know it. If you’re really enjoying my discomfort that much, it makes me wonder what type of violence you would inflict on me if we were alone. And it’s terrifying. You are terrifying.

Let’s wrap this up. . .

Public Service Announcement: If you shout something at a person, a stranger, randomly without provocation, and they respond by telling you to “fuck off” …  say thank you, fuck off, and don’t try that shit again.