I am still quivering in disgust. Today, around 10:45am, I was on my way from downtown to New Carrollton. I worked late last night, so I was kind of tired and dozing off. I was sitting alone and somewhere around Potomac Yard, a man got on and sat in a seat about 4 from mine. He looked at me and I looked away, and dozed back off. I didn’t think anything of it. The next stop, he moved to the metro seat directly across from me, and sat facing towards me. I noticed all of this sort of subconsciously. But as the metro ride went on, even though I wasnt looking at him, I could feel him staring at me, and out of the corner of my eye, I could see him doing something repetitive with his hands. I chose to ignore it, figuring I was just being paranoid. But as the ride progressed, the feeling stayed. At one point, I chose to casually look over at him to see if he was blatantly staring at me. Not only was he blatantly staring at me, he wad also jerking off.

I closed my eyes and opened them again. It was still happening. My jaw dropped in horror and disgust. He just kept going. I immediately got up and went to the farthest metro seat away from him. I didn’t make a sound. I didn’t look at him again. I felt like I was going to vomit and started having a mini anxiety attack. As soon as the train stopped, I got out and ran forward to the next train. When we got to my stop in New Carrollton, I got out and told the train conductor. He told me to tell metro security.

I felt disgusting after seeing him do this. I’ve been having horror flashbacks and seeing his creepy stair and disgusting penis in broad daylight on the damn metro! My skin feels creepy crawly and I’m still having mini waves of nausea and anxiety. I’m so f*%&ing pissed!

AND THEN, hours after that incident, another man started hollering at me and my girlfriend about, “Let me take you to brunch. I’ll pay. What’s your name? Where you goin’?” And all with an ignorant ass entitled cocky smile on his face. After politely declining his third advance, him leaving and giving us attitude, I threw my hands up with grief and stated, “What the f*ck?! I’m wearing a f*?!king bear hat!”

And I was. All day. All day I have been wearing this somewhat unattractive, furry, trap and skeet type hat because it’s cold out. I’m in a long winter coat. Sneakers. Wide legged pants. Barely any makeup. Carrying a black plastic bag and juice. I’m Not dressed provocatively. I’m not asking for it. WTF?! What is wrong with men?! ARGH!

Location: Metro, Orange line towards New Carrollton

Time of harassment: Day Time (9:30A-3:30P)

Submitted by Nikki

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