Never Asking For It

"What were you wearing?" As if my clothes said "touch me" "You're wearing that!?" Because my choice of clothing would compel a man's behavior. Because my outfit makes it my fault, right? Not his. For every cat call, for every uncomfortable interaction, for every touch, for every step further into trauma... My clothes are why. It's me. It's her. It's every feminine presenting person. It's us. It's our fault we were treated like garbage. Our clothes. But the reality is violation can happen fully clothed, in hoodies, in sweatpants, in jeans, and t-shirts. It can happen no matter what is draped over our bodies. And, most importantly, we are NOT at fault. We are worthy of respect. We demand to be asked for consent. We are tired of victim blaming and victim shaming. Instead of telling us what the fuck we should and shouldn't wear, how about you learn to respect us instead? How about you teach your son that people have boundaries? How about you always ask to touch someone? How about you stop making disgusting assumptions based on appearance? How about you step in when you see your friend forcing themselves onto a feminine person? We're never asking for it. We will not allow ourselves to be treated like trash.