Am I More than Just a Piece of Meat?

To all the men who’ve objectified me before.

To the boys at my first-part time job who held a bet to see who could score my virginity first.

To the men on the street who leer at me with ogling eyes when all I'm doing is sitting on a park bench reading a book.

To my first love who decided he was entitled to my virginity, whether I gave it willingly or not.

Am I a human being to you?

Or am in nothing more than a piece of meat?

If you looked beneath these clothes, you’d find more than just a pair of tits.

There is a dreamer in this gentle soul.

A creator and hard worker, and a persistent force to be reckoned with.

I’ve achieved many feats in my short years of living.

I am proud of the woman I am today. And the woman I will become tomorrow.

My heart aches and breaks for the injustices of the world, and I do my part to make this world just a little more equal.

I have two degrees. I own and run my own company. I make a living off of my words and writing. I became a homeowner on my own at the age of 24.

But you don’t see any of that.

All you see is what my meat, flesh and bones can do to benefit you.

My body was not built for your satisfaction.

I was crafted and created to be uniquely me.

My essence was woven into existence with great care and delicacy.

I’ve worked to define the essence of who I am, and who I want to be.

I afford you the respect and dignity of seeing you as a worthy human being.

So, why am I not afforded that same courtesy?

Why is my existence, both physical and intangible, worthy to you only in the terms of how I can satisfy your sexual desires?

Why am I less of when I exercise my consent and say, “no"?