u/IllGeologist9126

I've survived multiple sexual assults. I walked to and from work in my early 20s and have ran to avoid men getting out of their car to chase me, men following me home to discover my gangbanger neighbor was incredibly protective of me. I've worked in a blue collar industry including shops I was the only girl in any role in the department. I have male-dominated hobbies as the majority of my hobbies. I fought blood tooth and nail to develop methods for navigating all manner of situations and to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt to ANYONE I was good for ANYONE not "just a girl" (ironically every blue collar gal I've met could run circles around the rest our male counter parts). As I got into my 30s, I noticed the cat calls lessen considerably and its been a relief.

I was in a motorcycle accident and just after my birthday a few weeks ago, I got my first wheelchair. It's been an incredibly emotional decision but one of the reasons I choose to go ahead was because I realized my dog was averaging 4-8 walks a month (with other enrichment when I couldn't walk) for about 6 months. So after 2w of careful practice close to the house and our driveway- we finally attempted her normal walk.

Leashes and wheelchairs and 133lb Great Danes are a intresting mix but we were cruising. A blue SUV slowed by me, the driver making aggressive eye contact while glaring and then he made a u-turn...to come back and yell that I'm a whore and drive off. A whole wave of new emotions hit cause this a whole new world. The fear and anger is a lot different when running is no longer an option. Everything is raw and new and I'm so tired. I'm tired of there always being another barrier. I'm tired of always finding new ways to fight and deter the same enemy. I'm tired of not getting to experience an extremely vulnerable and difficult task without having a man doing some dumb shit for no fucking reason.

Rant over 😮‍💨😭

Edit- it was 1 stupid comment but it really got to me. I did not intend this to sound like I think that makes myself better than any other woman in any other career choice. I do not in any regard. Women in every field, including in their own homes, have faced unimaginable struggle and hardship in ways unique and tailored to that specific occupation. I'm deeply aware and constantly learning new ways women every where are also fighting with everything they have to progresss as safely as possible in their own field. I was ranting about my personal journey through my own occupation choice. Nothing else. I'm sorry I phrased it badly and edited it to hopefully better convey that message.