Change Rape Culture

I am afraid when you tell me I’m pretty

I don’t like it when you say I have nice hair

Don't ask me what I would do if “you were there”

Because trust me

You don't want to know

And I'm tired of this entitlement people I don't even know have over me and my body

Your compliments are not okay

Your thoughts and planning of what you want to do to my body are not okay

Don't DM me “I want my hands on your thighs”

Because I surely don't want any part of you on or near me

And it hurts to know that you don't think twice about it

How you, someone I have never met

Has this belief that you can do what you want, think what you want, and tell me what you want

And won't even consider what I WOULD WANT

What someone else wants

And yes I sound angry

But it is because I am scared

For myself and my friends and everybody in between

But my fears are not what define me but they shape my passions and my anger

So I will yell and I will scream and I will shout until you will understand

What I mean when I say

“Change Rape Culture”

And when I say “change rape culture” I don't just say it for people to hear the movement’s name

I am asking YOU to change rape culture

I am asking YOU to stop

And think if you have ever made someone uncomfortable with your words

Your gaze

Your touch

I am asking YOU to consider the fact that you might perpetuate this violence against people

Because this rape culture is not just exclusive to women

It happens to men, trans, queer, non-binary and asexual folk

It happens to all of us and we don't even realize it

When was the last time you were told to man up?

Or that you throw like a girl?

Called you their crazy ex-girlfriend?

Or a trap?

Got asked what you got “down there”?

When was the last time you told a little girl to cover up because her older male family members were coming?

When you forced yourself and your desires onto your partner?

We need to teach ourselves, our children and our elders that this is enough

That this needs to stop

And I want you to help change rape culture