When did you start your account?
I started my account in March 2021!
Why were you inspired to start an account?
I had been follow other catcalls accounts for a while and really loved the work they do and knew I just had to join in. Catcalling happens so much in Lincoln, to me and my friends so I decided to do something about it.
Why do you think “chalking back” is a good method to raise awareness? Why do you think ending street harassment is important?
Chalking back stops people in the street, even if it’s only for a moment. It gets people talking about the issue, especially if they stop to ask questions whilst we are chalking. Being harassed in the streets is terrifying, especially when you are on your own, even if that person wasn’t to physically hurt you, it makes you fear that they might. Also sexually harassing someone, tells women and fem presenting people that their bodies aren’t their own, and can make people feel like they have to dress a certain way, or act a certain way to avoid it. Its really needs to stop.
What’s your favorite thing about your city?
My favourite thing about my city is definitely the historical quarter! It has so much history and dates back to the Saxons. The Lincoln Cathedral was built in 1072 and it was once the tallest building in the world. It’s definitely my favourite place in Lincoln, without a doubt.
How can your city better address street harassment?
The city is quite conservative, so a lot of the time issues like this aren’t really spoken about enough. The authorities need to do a better job at cracking down on harassment, as it happens so often, but it is seen as quite a trivial matter, so nothing is done about it. I think the people who live in Lincoln need to start calling it out more too.
What do you hope is the outcome of your account?
I really want to raise awareness of how big the issue actually is and get people in Lincoln talking about it, whether to their family and friends, or on social media.
What’s the most difficult street harassment situation you’ve experienced? (if you feel comfortable sharing)
My ex-boyfriends Granddad grabbed my bum outside a pub, whilst celebrating my boyfriend’s birthday. I hadn’t even met his granddad yet and had no idea who he was. I was 18 at the time and he was in his 60s. I told my ex what had happened and he and his family all laughed it off, because it was “just what he was like". The only person who called him out on it and stood up for me, was my ex's 10 year old brother.
What does being a part of this campaign mean to you?
I feel like I’m finally fighting back against all the harassment I have experienced in my own life , as well as giving people a voice when they didn’t feel like they had one at the time of the harassment. I want to help people and in the words of my friend (a volunteer who is helping me out) “we’re helping people one chalk at a time".
