It’s about feeling unsafe, scared, and invalid. It’s about the fact that the context of the conversation was me using my desire to eliminate (or at the very least diminish) my breasts to explain my gender identity. I wouldn’t want to get rid of them so bad if gross douchebros didn’t sexualize that part of my body. It’s about the fact that I felt too scared in the moment to even shut it down the way I wish I had.

You know what, plenty of people have seen my breasts too. I’ve taken part in the Naked Bike Ride several times now (even in 2016 when I had the ear induced balanced issues that meant I really shouldn’t have been riding a bike at all tbh). Know what I like most about the Naked Bike Ride? The near absence of creepers. The fact that when you’re surrounded by thousands of human bodies, it ceases to be a sexual thing.

The nudist atmosphere of the naked bike ride helped me overcome an eating disorder, and even in some ways helped me recover from past traumas. Douchebro’s request reminded me why I do still keep my guard up. That all being said, I’m now more determined than ever to take part in the naked hike day in June. Because fuck you douchebro, I refuse to allow you the power to change my plans. I felt scared and unsafe in that moment yesterday, and I’ve now taken steps to make sure I feel safe and supported by the good community I’ve found along the trail.