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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois State chapter.

Wear Your Voice

Royals, who has ever been touched at the bar? You know the slightest feel across the leg, or anywhere else, unapologetically “crossing” in front or behind on the dance floor trying to get through. Personally I just experienced my first encounter with a man grabbing my butt when I was walking towards the front door. Now I cannot believe that this is a common practice. And that queens are STILL being looked at as sexual objects. This is why feminism was created, it was not created to explore hatred, it was created to open minds, to open perspectives, to reflect on actions, to create understanding, and here we all are.

So to the man that intentionally puts a shirt on, tightens his belt, washes his hands after using the bathroom. Uses those same hands to pick up a drink. Hold his money, and tip the bartender. To intentionally use his mind to process that he will touch a woman to produce authority of a gender. To the man who has his masculinity challenged every day by his own mind and thoughts, this is a letter to you. You take those hands, the same hands you write letters to loved ones…the same hands that can shamelessly use to produce sexual dominance. This letter cuts your palms in despair, and hopes for your mind to open up to the concept of respecting human beings as human beings and not sexual objects. Keep your hands to yourself.

In other countries Mr. Man, you would have lost those hands, but in America, it is looked at as a coward way of trying to hump patriarchy. Well done, you have re-established the meaning of sexual harassment, disrespect between genders, re-established authority, and patriarchy. This letter is for the ones who prey on women, who think of them as just flesh. Flesh with teeth bite back, and queens with diamonds cut.

I want to send a worldwide apology, woman to woman, for the ones unintentionally touched, threatened, made to feel small or made to feel like a piece of meat, or piece of a**. To be locked like a slave, or beaten like a prisoner, I am sorry Queens. I feel with you. I send this message for the acknowledgment, understanding, and realization that this is real life, this s*** happens, and it is sickening.

From the woman at the bar…F U…Stay royal! 

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Chrissa Apostolopoulos

Illinois State '20

Chrissa Apostolopoulos is a Senior at Illinois State University "As a first-generation Greek Feminist, I write my articles as a respectful listener and advocated speaker for all persons. I open the platform for those silenced and as I continue my journey of opening up new perspectives, I advise my readers to be respectful audience members as well as knowledgeable persons." She/ Her Pronouns Follow Chrissa on Instagram: @chrissa_apostol
Contributor account for Illinois State