Actually, this was one of my more positive street harassment experiences (as if! but I say that because I felt good about how I responded–even though I did it without thinking). I was walking east on T St., away from Dupont Circle, thinking my thoughts, when I realized two men across the street were yelling something at me. Since I couldn’t make out what they were saying, I said something like “What?” or “Excuse me?” For all I knew they could have been asking me for directions. But then it became apparent they had other intentions – when one of them responded by commenting on my appearance. Without thinking, I said loudly, “Don’t harass me!” I don’t think he was expecting that; he responded “I just said that’s a beautiful dress.” I replied loudly, “No, you’re harassing me, is what you’re doing” and walked on. I think they were a bit taken aback.

Not an intense encounter overall, but I’m happy that I pointed out what they were doing (harassing me) and that it was wrong. I felt good about it afterward.

Submitted by H on 8/26/2010

Location: Around 16th and T NW

Time of Harassment: Evening Rush Hour (3:30P-7:30P)

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