What is our scariest catcalling experience?

There hasn’t really been a scary experience, but after moving to San Francisco I realized there is many different was that harassment can happen. People can say things, or look at you for a long time in a way that is terrifying. And San Francisco is much less densely populated so there isn’t as many people on the streets here. At a certain point, it does become concerning. 

Work experience:

I was covering cyber security, in the finance industry. I would go to conferences, and I distinctly remember this one guy at a booth who  was sort of creepy, I don’t remember exactly what he said but the next day when I was passing by he just was like, creepily, “come over here” and really gesturing for me to come over; in a way that was clear to be inappropriate and gross.

Why do you think catcalling has become so normalized?

Uh, because people don’t do anything about it. That that’s part of the problem. More often, people talk about not harassing people at work. On the street, if there’s no one nearby, it could be dangerous.You’re just trying to move on with your day.

What do you want people to know about catcalling?

If you’re one of those jerks out there who is doing it, stop. Because people can fear for their safety. And women who are dealing with it, talk about it. It’s important. Unless you talk about it, people don’t realize it’s a problem.

Priya, 28