In today’s society, conversations surrounding sexual harassment are more prevalent than ever. But, what does sexual harassment truly look like, and how do we define it? This topic came up during a recent conversation, and I realized that I had quite a bit to unpack. Let’s take a dive into what sexual harassment means, how it shows up in various industries, and my own experiences.

🌟 What Is Sexual Harassment?
First off, defining sexual harassment can be tricky. For some, it’s about physical actions, like unwanted touches. For others, it could be verbal comments or inappropriate suggestions. In my case, I don’t feel like I’ve been sexually harassed in the way we typically think about it. However, there have been moments of discomfort. I’ve had inappropriate comments made towards me, but I’ve often brushed them off. But here’s the catch – does brushing it off make it okay? 💭

Personally, I’ve never been in a situation where I was touched inappropriately after saying “no.” To me, that’s the line where things get serious. But, I also acknowledge that harassment doesn’t always have to be physical. Sometimes, the pressure can come in the form of propositions, which leads me to the next point.

🌟 The Role of Power and Proposition
Have you ever been in a situation where someone hinted that an opportunity would open up for you, but only if you did them a favor? 😕 I have. It’s not uncommon for people, especially in male-dominated industries, to use their power to make these kinds of advances. The thing is, I’ve always had the confidence to say “no, thanks.” And I think that’s what has helped me navigate these uncomfortable situations without feeling too impacted.

But let’s talk about the restaurant industry for a second. In my experience, this industry seems to be where boundaries blur the most. Late-night shifts, drinking, drugs—it all seems to create an environment where lines get crossed more easily. The lack of boundaries in places like restaurants or bars can lead to incidents that many wouldn’t experience in more structured workplaces like the military or fitness industry.

🌟 The Importance of Boundaries and Confidence
When we look at industries with clearer boundaries, like fitness and the military, it’s easier to see when lines are crossed. But, even in those environments, harassment happens. For me, the difference is in how we respond to these situations. I believe that having confidence in yourself, the ability to say “no,” and the security to walk away when things don’t feel right is key. It’s about knowing your worth and refusing to compromise it for anyone, regardless of the potential benefits.

We can look at movies like Bombshell for examples of how power can trap people into making difficult decisions. It’s heartbreaking to see people feel forced into situations they’re uncomfortable with just to further their careers. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to sacrifice your integrity to succeed. I want to teach my girls that it’s okay to walk away and still find success. 🌱

🌟 Owning Your Accomplishments
At the end of the day, nothing feels as good as knowing you’ve earned your accomplishments without any strings attached. 💪 When I got my first tour gig, my partner was very conscious about how we portrayed our relationship. He didn’t want anyone to think that I got the opportunity because of him, and I respected that. Even though, at first, I didn’t fully understand it.

The truth is, I’ve always worked hard for everything I’ve achieved. I never wanted anyone to think I got somewhere because of someone else. So, while it may be a harder road, it’s one worth walking. If you’re in a similar situation, remember that your success doesn’t depend on compromising your values.

🔑 Key Takeaway:
Sexual harassment exists, but so does the power to say “no” and protect your integrity. Know your worth, own your accomplishments, and never let anyone take that away from you.