Apologies…

Men (we) do not do enough to stop creeps from being. We allow, probably help make, bad things happen with an insidious objectification of women. You, Ellie, are not the problem, ever — men are. Until men own their culpability in all this, we don’t deserve your trust.

Your story has made me realise something that had never occurred to me before — about trust. At first, I was taken aback by your broad brush approach to mistrust all men. Then, almost in an instance, I realised my very presence can be a problem — before you’re able to get to the trust part.

I have no idea what to do about that. I’m even afraid, as I write this, my response might be loaded with shit dudes would say — but, I’m just trying to reach out to let you know…

I’m listening to you.

You are a magical writer with potential approaching the vastness of galaxies. Even more than that, you are a person — deserving of love, respect, happiness. Please know that legions of us stand behind you, rooting for you to build a future void of that asshole and his actions.

After listening to you, I’m talking to my 12 year old son, again, today. I’m telling this…

K — Women are not objects. Women are people. Human Beings — do you understand what I’m saying? You don’t get to decide anything for women, ever. Please, and this is really important, share this truth with your friends, so you are not allowing women to become objects of other men. Stand up for women, stand with women. Always.

Peace.