I was asked by an ally what I wanted her to do in the event she witnessed me being physically assaulted.
I would not ask anyone to take the risk upon themselves of getting hurt, trying to help me. When I have made the decision to make myself a target.
And also, what allows me to absorb their insults is a lifetime of experience as a gay woman.
As protagonist, I have to attempt to maintain some control over the situation.
So
- Provide a level of support with which you feel comfortable.
- Introduce yourself, (this is the most powerful counteract to the 'dehumanisation' that is being encouraged by the name calling )
- Maintain your physical distance, but do issue a verbal response ( this has saved me in the past,.. the simple act of calling my name, and asking if I was coming...I was released, because my assailant was made aware someone who knew me and was my ally was watching)
- Raise an alert, in the event of an escalating situation.
- In the event I am alone, call my office
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