The Movement

In our pain for Orlando, may we find power: A letter from Executive Director Emily May

Dear Hollaback! Community,

 

I am reaching out today with the heaviest of hearts. The tragedy in Orlando was one of the deadliest mass shootings in the United States. It took place on Latinx night at the Pulse, and those we lost were mostly LGBTQ, mostly people of color.

 

We want to be clear: this was not just an act of terror, it was also a hate crime. It was, at its root, a product of homophobic, racist, and transphobic culture that we live in.

 

It’s a culture of hate that we perpetuate everyday when we support laws against gender-inclusive bathrooms, normalize street harassment, and allow gay teens to be bullied in plain sight.  When we refuse to stand up against the daily violence that LGBTQ people face just for being who they are, we create a culture where events like Orlando become inevitable.

 

The horrific events in Orlando bring to the forefront our own experiences of harassment and violence as LGBTQ folks. It can feel like a scab ripping off; it is a wound that never really has a chance to heal.

 

This week, as we heal, reflect, and care for one another — let’s also take this opportunity to turn our pain into power. Join us in sharing your experiences with hate, harassment, or violence towards the LGBTQ community with the hashtag #thehatewefaceiseveryday.

 

Your story could be something that small — like a hateful joke, or a passing comment. Or it could be something much harder — like harassment, intimidation, stalking, or assault. Whatever it is, we’re listening. If you would prefer to be anonymous, you can share your story on our site, or through our free app.

 

As we process this tragedy, our pain runs deep. As we do the critical work of standing up against Islamophobia and fighting for better policies — we too need to do the work of caring for ourselves, and giving our pain space to breathe.  

 

Sharing your story is an act of self-care, and in times like these, it is an act of survival. We need to show people what’s wrong so they can see what’s possible.

 

with love and warmth,

 

 

Emily May

Co-Founder and Executive Director

Hollaback!

 

Published on June 13, 2016 at 3:44 pm

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Uncategorized

HOLLA ON THE GO: Lonely Target

I sat down on the t (Boston speak for “subway”) and a guy sat down directly across from me. I had a bad feeling about him since he was acting kinda weird at the station. I put my headphones on and purposefully face away from him cause I sat here first. Out of the corner of my eye I could see him grooving to his headphones then stomping his feet loudly. He kept saying things to random strangers on the t car and most people ignored him. Then he started yelling about his grandfather to anyone who would listen. Eventually he did little things to try to get my attention like wave to me which I kept ignoring. Then he stands up to get off at his stop and gets close to me and waves. I immediately whack his hand away and yell “stop it!” He looks at everyone else on the t, pointing at me saying something (I can’t hear cause I still have headphones on). Everyone just stares at him but 3 young women are clapping for me. Right before he gets off the t he waves in my face again so I start take my shoe off. He sees that and very quickly runs out the door.

Published on July 5, 2016 at 10:23 am

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Verbal

My voice will be heard

I live in Virginia and I can’t walk to my job downtown without being cat called at least twice a day. It’s often an older man asking “How’s it going?” I get mad and uncomfortable every time. Sometimes I think I’m overreacting, after all they’re just asking how I’m doing and that’s supposed to be a friendly question. But then I remind myself it’s the tone they use and the way they look at me like I’m an object for their amusement. So I made a vow to say something the next time.

Sure enough, later that day a group of four young teenage boys called out to me “How you doing?” I almost didn’t hear the first time but they called out two more times so I couldn’t ignore it. Finally I turn and look at them and say “Are you talking to me?” They all grin and say yea. So I respond with “Honestly not so well, because I can’t walk down the street without having guys like you call out to me. And it makes me feel uncomfortable and it’s ridiculous that it happens. You boys need to learn to respect women!” And the four of them scramble and run away. Literally run away from me.

I felt like I was not only standing up for myself but every woman on the street. I hope I taught those boys a lesson and they will think before doing it next time. I will no longer take the harassment. My voice will be heard.

Published on July 5, 2016 at 10:20 am

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A Week in Our Shoes

Hollaback! wraps up the week with a BANG

As the Hollaback! HQ office closes for the 4th of July weekend, so does a packed week of strategic planning for the future of Hollaback! We’re so excited to share the ideas we’ve brainstormed, focusing on how to expand Hollaback!’s support system and spreading the message of public space safety far and wide.

 

Meanwhile, at Hollaback! Around the world…

 

Hollaback! Baltimore shared photos from the chalk walk they did in support of the Anti Street Harassment day of action that happened this past weekend.

 

Hollaback! Vancouver is sharing and supporting Good Night Out Vancouver in their efforts to help people get home safely in Vancouver.

 

 

 

That’s it for now!

 

Holla and out!
-Hollaback!

 

Published on July 1, 2016 at 6:39 pm

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transphobic

HOLLA ON THE GO: Éxismo Patriarcal Capitalista

Estaba en el metro y un sexista patriarcal falocentrista capitalista transfobico me llamó por pronombres masculinos!!!

Published on June 28, 2016 at 10:27 am

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racial discrimination, Verbal

Racist Man at the Bus Stop

Yesterday I was waiting at a bus stop. I was approached by a white man who started mocking me and talking to me as if I were a very young child. He started using derogatory terms such as nigga and saying he came from Africa, to further mock me. I’m from India. I’m also only 15, and it’s the first time I’ve ever been harassed like this. When I simply wasn’t responding, he began yelling at me, and called me a bitch several times, and started saying extremely rude and dirty things, and finally said “this bloody immigrant thinks she’s the sh**,” and that all he wanted to do was “pick up chicks.” I began crying and wishing I could’ve done something about it, and shout back at him. I’m not sure how long this incident will haunt me for.

Published on June 28, 2016 at 10:20 am

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