Photo Credit: Photography by Heather Spaleny
For the THINK | TWICE anti-bullying awareness campaign.
“As a less feminine gal with a short hair-cut, practical shoes (also known as my ‘lesbian boots’) an addiction to flannel and ill-fitting t-shirts, and a deep love of rough and tumble activities I am often mistaken for a gentleman or a lesbian.
I was called a dyke almost every day of my senior year of high school; it actually played a role in my choice to go to school online from home. I was once yelled at because I look like a “typical lesbian” (There is no such thing, as a ‘typical lesbian’!), but am actually straight. I was told it was false advertising. I had no idea short hair and tennis shoes were an international symbol for lesbianism. I still get called a fag, a dyke, and a shemale on a regular basis. But, because I know who I am in my heart or hearts and campaigns like ‘THINK | TWICE’ their words hurt less.
Aside from being harassed about my sexual orientation, I get harassed a lot for my body (I struggled with bulimia and currently deal with EDNOS). My weight has fluctuated pretty heavily over the years; I once went from almost 200lbs down to almost 120lbs in a three month span, so my body is not what is “should” be at 19 years-old. I have huge stretch marks all over my body, loose skin, spider veins, enamel damage, and chronic throat problem. I hate knowing that I did that to myself (partially) because of the words of others. I thought that once I was skinny, people would be nicer… I was wrong. “You look like skeletor, but with fake tits”. “You look f***ing disgusting, eat a sandwich.” Bullying played a huge role in developing an eating disorder, I feel like I can’t ever win, I’m either too fat or too thin, but I’m never good enough.
I have also been harassed for coming forward about being stalked and raped. “You’re an ungrateful b***h. Be thankful someone f***ed you.” “Why would he rape you? You’re pathetic, awkward, fat, and of below average attractiveness, a guy like that doesn’t need to “rape” girls like you, he can f*** prettier smarter girls with less of a hassle.” Part of the reason I didn’t press charges was because I was afraid of what people would say. I knew people would tear me apart and I couldn’t handle the thought of further harassment. I still get cruel jokes sent to me on facebook and tumblr about what happened to me and the aftermath. I developed PTSD and people assume that because I was not a part of the armed forces, my reaction to loud noises is a farce, just an act to garner sympathy. I become startled, fearful, and agitated when I hear a loud or jarring noise because he made sudden loud noises, and I am always afraid that loud noise is him, I am afraid he’s going to break a bottle by smashing it against my head. The sudden surge of anxiety often causes me to ‘jump’, shake, vomit, or even urinate. It’s horrifically embarrassing and the fact that people will laugh, ‘tease’, and harass me in person and later online makes it so much harder.”
- Roslyn
(Source: savagebootysparkles)
Betsy Coffia rocking the Equal Pay Day (organized by the AAUW) rally in Traverse City!
“70% of women surveyed by the TC Business News last year said there is a wage gap. 70% of men didn’t think so. The stats show women in MI make .74 for every $1 their equally qualified co-workers make doing the same thing for the same # of years. We can, and MUST, do better!” Betsy Coffia
A supporter of the Equal Pay Day (organized by the AAUW) rally in Traverse City!
“70% of women surveyed by the TC Business News last year said there is a wage gap. 70% of men didn’t think so. The stats show women in MI make .74 for every $1 their equally qualified co-workers make doing the same thing for the same # of years. We can, and MUST, do better!” Betsy Coffia
Ladies and gentlemen, Conner Hursh! Go follow him!
