#workplace harassment

[makingsenseofwhathappened]

- Gloria Steinem

And probably a bunch of other people too. FWIW, you can know the risk of saying your truth and choose silence. Your story is yours until the day you’re ready to speak.

[kingsprinkle]

[foileadeux]

are they dating? no. worse

[bonnibelleangelica]

Over-sensitive

When you’re part of a marginalized group: disabled, queer, POC- you’re often advised to tolerate discomfort “just this one time.”

But it’s never just one time.

Do they think they’re the first to tell me to let things slide? Keep it to myself? Grin and bear it? I would love to have this be a one time issue. Hell yeah I’d tough it out and reap the rewards, but they’re underestimating how discrimination has bled into every aspect of my life.

I was advised yesterday that if my manager was unfairly targeting me for behavior that was not only allowed, everyone else was doing it at all times, I should just not do it. “Don’t be like everyone else,” they said. But they also said that I was over-sensitive and that this bias wasn’t real. This coworker went on to joke later that she never gets in trouble and she doesn’t know why.

See how it’s not a fair request? Because the advice she was giving was not just for work, it was for my whole life. To avoid being targeted, stay still, stay quiet, stay perfectly behaved. Forever.

But hey, maybe I’m just over-sensitive….

[hyprunivers]

guys what is Gundam about

[makingsenseofwhathappened]

[leashed-ange1]

Moira NSFW Alphabet- D is for drunk flirting

This one is technically nsfw but there's no real smut here! The best part of being drunk is the build up anyway muehehe. Moira is a little OOC but it IS supposed to be an act- or lets all just pretend she's a bit drunk too. Whatever helps your immersion haha.

Content: NSFW/suggestive themes || drinking || CHRISTMAS TIME YAY || manipulative behavior || Moira acts nice || Barely proof read pls avert your eyes

Ahh yes. Another wonderful night of festivities planned by the Overwatch's incessant events team. Despite their endless emails and fruitless attempts to catch Moira in her labs she had done rather well for herself to avoid them till now. Alas, not even a genius can evade what is inevitable. She was eventually cornered and rushed by a particularly persuasive member of their admin, hastily shoved an invite to the final company-wide Christmas party and told that her attendance was mandatory- and should she not show her face then her Christmas bonus would be invalid. A cheap tactic, but she applauded them for their eventual win over her. This yearly bonus was nothing to scoff at after all, Overwatch seemed to truly embrace the season of giving- even towards their Blackwatch employees. Moira supposed that she could show her face, put up with the horrid music and dancing and festive spirit for one hour at most before retreating to her company quarters.

But there she sat, two hours into the party, about an hour and a half into their open bar. She somehow found herself sticking around long after her cordial "Hello." and "Me? Enjoying the festivities... of course." directed mainly at Winston. She felt less burdened by the noise and constant kerfuffle around her when she was nursing a rich, sweet brandy, swirling it around the chilled glass between her nimble fingers. She'd made an effort with her appearance no doubt, exchanging her modest and practical lab coat for a floor length gown with an swooping cowl neck, very apt for the semi-formal dress code on the invite. A pair of lengthy opera gloves sealed the deal by serving elegance and a purpose (to cover the growing amount of her arm that was tainted by a diseased purple). The satin material reflected all manner of deep purples blues and lilacs under the many disco lights- perhaps attracting more attention than desired. Attention from a certain someone. You.

The new lab technicians assistant- not even the lab technician, the assistant. You kept to yourself, quiet reserved and efficient- but civil nonetheless. The two of you were acquaintances at best having barely spoke beyond orders for chemicals and equipment and their delivery to her lab. Your mystery had enticed her at first, she wondered how someone so shy and soft spoken ended up in such a bustling environment filled with noise, deadlines and at times- danger. Still, as she looked at you from the bar she concluded that there was nothing interesting about you at all, as you were currently ferociously dancing with an elated Dr. Ziegler to ABBA's 'Dancing Queen'. Typical youths, she thought, drunk and disorderly behavior at a work event. She soon realised the mistake of diverting her attention to anywhere other than her drink. She preemptively rolled her eyes when your gaze locked to hers and you begun making your way to her quiet(er) corner, laughing heartily as you left Angela on the dance floor. She took a moment to take in your outfit, a high-necked black mini-dress with some sheer burgundy tights. She noted that heels were clearly foreign to you as you wobbled like a newborn faun over to the bar table. Endearing.

You hoisted yourself onto a stool and giggled nervously to yourself, "Didn't expect to see you here tonight Dr O'Deorain,,, thought this would be much too exciting for your taste." She was thoroughly taken aback by how confident and pronounced you were- perhaps you weren't so shy after-all. She smiled crookedly and raised a hand in defeat, seeming almost happy to entertain conversation with you. Or maybe she was just curious to see what you were like when you weren't hiding for some reason behind a storage trolley- what she could prod and poke out of you in your inebriated state. "You would be correct in that assumption, but I could say the same about you." She turned her body towards yours, leaning her arm on the bar to meet you at eye level. She studied your telling face, watching your eyes dart down as she crossed her legs, briefly exposing her sharp heel and ankle. "You're always so quiet when I summon you to my labs...I think this is the most I've heard of your voice." She lowered her gaze and chuckled as you absentmindedly ordered a drink. "I can not fathom why you would be so hesitant to make conversation at work." You took a sip from your shmancy glass and smiled sheepishly. "Same reason as everyone else Doctor, I'm only human." Moira drained the remnants of her brandy and moved herself closer. "And what reason would that be?" You could have sworn you felt the end of her heel ghost around your ankle, sending a ticklish sliver up your body. "W-well. You know- your reputation precedes you... y-you're known to be a bit- uh." You took a hasty sip of your drink. Moira lent back and finished your sentence for you, "Discourteous, hostile, dismissive, uncooperative...mean. Take your pick." You giggled again nervously, thinking of her stern and scornful face that you couldn't help but want to see desperately.

You couldn't possibly disclose that the reason you avoided her so avidly was that you had a rampant workplace crush- which even you couldnt rationalise, because Moira WAS generally as others described her. But tonight, you certainly got an eye-full of what was to fall for. Her slender and elegant figure was usually hidden behind a more than modest lab coat- you almost felt like a prude when your stomach twisted with butterflies at the sight of her collarbones- the pale freckled skin just above her chest. For a second your mind wandered to how it might feel to run your fingers over them- would she feel tickled? Would she shiver and laugh or would she remain still. As your attention was carried away from the conversation you thought harder about why you liked her so much. Perhaps you didn't mind her supposed 'harsh' tongue- maybe you didn't mind the way she crowded your space and cornered you to scold you on your mistakes. Maybe you didn't mind the feeling of her eyes boring through your foggy, flustered head.

"Is anybody home? Or are you so impossibly intoxicated that you can't hold a conversation with me?" You snapped back to the conversation to Moira inches from your face. You dread to imagine how flushed your cheeks must have been as she withdrew. Picking up your drink with a sweaty hand you practically chugged it, hoping that the extra alcohol would help distract and potentially lead you away from this dangerous interaction. "Why did you come over to speak with me, hm? If I'm such impertinent company?" She watched your thighs tighten together, your hair falling ungracefully over your face. "I- uh. I just- y'know, I've never seen you outside of work before and you just looked so- I mean, you were-" You cursed yourself for rushing on the alcohol all throughout the night, now totally helpless trying to string a sentence together. You racked your brains. "I thought I would come and offer you company because nobody should be drinking alone at a Christmas party!" You said hastily, letting out a large sigh as you finished. "How generous of you." Moira flagged the bartender, signaling for another drink- two of them. "Do you want to know what I think?" You picked up your empty glass, desperate to do something with your hands which were now stupidly close to relieving the growing ache between your thighs. "I hypothesize, that you don't think I'm such poor company at all." This time you absolutely felt her foot drag up your calf, and this time you know she saw how your whole body tensed in response to the contact. You looked around briefly to see if anyone else was witnessing it- or to see if somehow you'd fallen asleep and were now dreaming.

Jesus Christ. Moira O'Deorain- flirting, with you. You had ruled anything with her out of the question- hell, you'd guessed she had limited interest in any sort of intimacy at all. Let alone with you. Your addled mind couldn't even fathom that she could be putting on a front- playing with you, just for the love of the game. "I've wondered for some time if your childish avoidance was a product of attraction, introversion or a simple symptom of gossip. I suppose now that I have my answer, what shall I do with it?" You wondered of she would allow you to pry further. It was clear neither of you were quite- hem- vanilla. You wondered what she would do to you, what you'd never even explored yourself. Scenarios that you never would have considered without her involvement.

The truth of the matter was, however, that Moira was not the slightest bit interested in a relationship, not now anyway. She was far too busy to delegate real attention to a fleshy, horny, emotion ridden thing such as yourself. She was, however, interested in entertainment. Perhaps for the night. Perhaps in the coming days at work. The possibilities were practically endless when she could summon you to her labs at any time- perhaps even under the guise of needing 'help'. She wondered how far she could push you, how far astray your blind and inexperienced self would allow her to lead you. She supposed she would just have to find out.

But for now, your next drink had arrived- and there was a new song to dance to.

[balkanradfem]

I have another workplace harassment story (or at least an attempt of it). It happened a few months ago, but back then I was so stressed I couldn't even think about it. I can talk about it now!

So there's this older woman I met through work; she's been a friend but also a great contact. She often recommends me to other women, who then hire me for work. I've asked her to only ever mention me to women, and never men, but alas, she's not a feminist, she has sons, she sees no harm in m*n.

She called me up, all excited to tell me about an older m*n who needs me to do some work for him. I was sceptical, explained it's not smart for me to go and be alone with a m*n in a place, but she went on about how he's okay, not problematic at all, he's verified as a good person, no need to worry, his neighbour guarantees for him. I was even more sceptical, but at this point I could tell she's so excited about this, if I refuse to go, I will offend her. She wanted me to just go meet him and discuss it, in a public place, and with a worried heart, I said okay. It turned out meeting was set to be immediately, so I headed over there.

As soon as we met he wanted to show me his home, where I would be working, so we headed over there, to discuss what needs to be done and the pricing of it all. However when we got there, he insisted we have a sit down, drink something. He made jokes about how us young people have poor manners, and the older generation knows how to do business; drinking first. He offered me alcohol, which I refused, and settled to just drink some juice. I was so uncomfortable around him I never took off my coat, I didn't want him to be able to look at me.

He started a conversation about family and I am bored out of my mind. I knew his wife died recently and it worried me how little regard or fondness he was displaying for her, he wasn't grieving her death. He was mildly inconvenienced she was no longer doing shopping for him and complained about how supermarkets would not take a list and collect his items for him. I felt loathing but acted polite. He told me about his brother who lived over at the seaside; I tried to ask a follow-up question to be conversational 'Does he like it over there?' He took this as an opportunity to say 'Yes, a woman comes to him biweekly to do what is natural.'

He looked at my face carefully as he said this, and I immediately looked away, trying to show I'm feeling uncomfortable. I knew he just told me his brother was raping prostituted women. He continued, ignoring my discomfort 'You know what I'm talking about, right?' I was mute, still refusing to look at him. 'It's all natural, right?' he tried to get me to agree with him. I didn't indulge.

I was thinking about how I was in his house, and needed to get out of there. If he wouldn't let me out, I knew there were stairs leading down from his balcony, and I could jump a fence if needed. I hoped it wouldn't get to that. I needed to say whatever would have him believe it's best to let me out now.

'Okay, so we're all set and I can come on Monday, what time exactly?' I turned the conversation back to work, and he smiled and told me the time. I thanked him for the drink, told him we'll see each other on Monday, and turned to the door, which thankfully, he let me go to, and I got out.

I rushed home, disturbed and scared. I was alone with him for 10 minutes and he put prostitution on the table. I wasn't going back there for anything. Now would my female contact believe me this happened? He made sure to mention prostitution so vaguely a third person might not believe this is what he was referencing. I called her.

'I'm going to tell you exactly what happened,' I told my contact on the phone. When I got to the place in the story where he referenced 'what's natural', she jumped to his defense. 'Maybe he was joking!' she tried, and I said 'He looked me in the eyes and asked if I knew what he was talking about. He tried to get me to agree it's natural.'

'Did you know he was a director of a big firm here in the city? He's not like that, he's a honest man!'

I didn't want to waste time explaining to her that directors are more likely to see women as resources always available to them, that they're used to coercing women into anything, holding jobs over their heads. Instead I said: 'Please think about this. With what intentions would he say this to me, when he only knew me for 10 minutes? Why would he put this topic on the table to a person just starting to work for him? Tell me what he wanted to get out of this.'

And she understood. She said 'sorry' and I asked her to let him know, via whatever contact she had with him, that I will not in fact, be appearing on Monday, because I had no desire to ever speak to him again.

She called me later to relay that she told his male neighbour, who was now very upset and needed to yell how his neighbour is a bastard and he'd never have believed it of him. I didn't believe a work of it. I bet they're in it together. I thanked them for believing me, and proceeded to completely avoid that part of the city, so I don't run into that guy again.

I think that guy was testing to see if I would be easy to coerce into prostitution for him. If I had stayed after he brought it up, he would have taken it as a 'yes' and would either trap me in his house during work, or refuse to pay me unless I do whatever he wanted. If I had refused, he could blackmail me, spread rumors about me, make sure nobody else hires me, he could lie about what I did, or didn't do. He's influential and his word would be believed over mine. I'm sure being a director of a big firm gave him plenty of experience to sus out what women were scared of the most, and most easily threatened with. I really only have radical feministm to thank that I clocked this immediately, because had I been still under the delusion of equality and 'not all m*n' rhetoric, I would have been coerced into 'giving him the benefit of the doubt' and 'maybe he didn't mean it that way', and by the time I had it confirmed that he was a predator, it would have been too late. Even him offering me alcohol right off the bat was a red flag.

Anyway real happy I got out of that one, and it was disturbing to discover that you really can't be alone with a male even for 10 minutes without them trying to take advantage. It's even worse if you know that prostitution in croatia is legally punishable – only for women! Prostituted women can get in legal trouble, m*n paying to rape cannot. Really great for women trying to get out, they can be threatened with prosecution if they don't do what m*n want them to. Anyway this place sucks and don't forget to hate all m*n!