Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Alondra Aguilera. I’m an 18 year-old Latina who was born and raised in the
ICT (Wichita) area. This fall I will be a college freshman at Wichita State University where I
will major in Music Education and minor in Spanish. I’m super involved in activism. I love
speaking up about issues that I’m passionate about.
When did you start your account?
Katrina and I began our account in January 2020 I believe.
Why were you inspired to start an account?
I saw what Catcalls of NYC was doing and I really wanted to do that for my city! I also had
faced catcalling multiple times, both in Wichita and outside of town which made me want
to do something about it!
Why do you think “chalking back” is a good method to raise awareness?
It’s a good way to raise awareness because it makes a statement. It’s not easy to ignore
the disturbing catcalls people have received, especially when they’re being chalked on the
sidewalks.
Why do you think ending street harassment is important?
Street harassment often makes us feel unsafe when I shouldn’t have to feel this way. No
one should have to feel like their sense of safety has been violated. Street harassment is
also very degrading, especially towards people’s bodies. Without street harassment,
people would feel safer and even more confident.
What’s your favorite thing about your city?
One thing I love about Wichita is that it’s not a tiny town, but it’s also not a huge buzzing
city. It’s not a super busy place, but it still feels like a city. I also love that Wichita has a
sense of community, especially when it comes to speaking up about issues. There are
always people that will want to raise awareness and that will be willing to help out.
How can your city better address street harassment?
I think that street harassment could be talked about more openly. I think people should
know that it’s okay to talk about their experiences. Sharing what has happened to you can
let others know how it feels to be harassed and that they’re not alone.
What do you hope is the outcome of your account?
I hope that it becomes a safe place where people can share their stories, but not just that.
I hope it also becomes a place where we can talk and raise awareness about other
important issues as well.
What's the most difficult street harassment situation you’ve experienced?
My worst harassment situation wasn’t actually in the street, but rather at school. I had a
class in which I basically tutored students that had just immigrated to the US. In that
class, a guy once asked “¿puedo tocarte las nalgas?” which basically means “can I touch
your *ss?” This made me feel so violated and uncomfortable and I was still expected to
continue helping this guy as long as I had that class. I have also been honked at several
times on the streets and, in Mexico (which I visit often) I have been whistled at and even
followed as well.
What does being a part of this campaign mean to you?
Being able to have a platform to spread awareness of harassment in general and other
issues as well makes me feel like I am finally able to do something about those issues.
This movement really highlights the power and impact that sharing experiences can have
on others.
