Leigh Luna is a cartoonist and illustrator from New Mexico who currently lives in Minneapolis. She spends half of her time making comics and illustrations about woodland adventures, and the other half fighting the patriarchy. Her feminist children’s comic, Clementine Fox, is published by GoComics.
22 Comments
Ugh being catcalled at is the worst. AND I’M ONLY 16 LIKE GET OUTTA HERE PERV!!!
The last panel is brilliant!!!!
The challenge is to muster up the courage to flip more men off. And yet, sometimes I wonder whether it is worth the extra danger I’m putting myself under.
I was out with my friends today walking along the seaside and a group of teenagers our age walked by and they yelled ‘nice ass!!’ at us.and other things that I’d rather not say.
This is the second time I’ve been catcalled and I have never found it okay. I spoke loudly to my friends ‘ew I’m going to puke!’ and we all laughed as we walked on :)
I like to make a joke out of stupid things like catcalling it’s how I move on from the situation.
this is sooo important! One time I was walking my dog and this guy pulled over in his nasty ass pick up truck and said that i looked good walking my dog (What even?) and then proceeded to ask me out for a beer. I pulled a grossed out face, said “Uh, no.. I’m SIXTEEN”. He yelled that I was “Jailbait” and sped off… ewwwwwwwwwwwwww
Really cool! Just yesterday there was a massive demonstration against violence against women in Buenos Aires (due to a rise in feminicides, harassment and others forms of violence). There are pictures online, and for those who also speak spanish, some of the signs are really clever and inspiring. It’s great to see men participating too. I do not know if it is as common in the US as it is in many latin american countries, but down there it’s absolutely out of control. You really have to think twice what your wearing depending on where you are going, and how you re going to get there, unless you want to live this nightmare of perverse what-do-you-complain-about-youre-clearly-looking-for-it kind of reasoning behind a verbal “compliment” in the form of nasty sexual catcall, or an aggression or physical harassment. #niunamenos
I really love the artwork, and this is so important. Catcalling always leaves me feeling panicky and scared and I remember it happening since I was 12 which is just gross. I always want to stand up against it but am scared of it turning violent, I’m so glad girls are feeling more empowered to stand up against it though.
astrangefrontier.blogspot.com
this is so excellent. all the rookie articles about dealing w/ catcalling are a+++, but i’m especially in love with the artwork for this one. nice job guys xo
Or just put on your most hideous face and bark at them.
Don’t be afraid to yell back at them (obviously consider your safety first) because they aren’t afraid to yell nasty comments to you. Ive told most men off who have catcalled me and it always shames them. A gardener once called me as I was leaving my apartment and I yelled back in Spanish telling him that I don’t exist for him and neither does any other woman. He was so scared he jumped into the bushes to hide and then yelled, “okay.” Telling them off will hopefully shame them and make them realize its not okay to catcall and possibly prevent them from doing it again in the future.
My favorite time I yelled back was when I was 16 and walking to a store with my friend. A big SUV drove by and the men, clearly way older than us, yelled something obscene about our bodies/butts/whatever- I don’t even remember it affected me so little after the fact. But for the first time ever I yelled back. I shouted, “Are you kidding me? We are young enough to be your children.” They heard, were noticeably embarrassed, and the best part is that they then had to stop at a red light. My friend and I then got to cross the street, right in front of their car as they shamefully avoided eye contact. I finally locked eyes with the driver and gave him my most withering stare I could muster until we’d reached the other side of the street. It felt awesome!
I think we need to really be mindful of when/when not to yell back in a catcalling situation (if you’re in a secluded area/he’s giving off violent vibes, just get away), but in the right setting it can be a wonderful way to feel a little bit empowered in an unfortunate encounter that’s designed to make you feel anything but that.
-B
ugh catcalling sucks
i usually act/dress like a little kid (even carry a blankie around!), partially because im scared of this sort of thing happening. its a good thing that i like strange clothes. if i didn’t like wearing loose fitting dresses and nightgowns i would be even more scared then i am. i suppose this is mostly irrational, but clothes can be comforting for me. once in a while i would like to wear less(like when it’s hot out!), but im usually too anxious.
thanks for the suggestions, i loved the comic <3
Valuable info
Thankfully I don’t get catcalled often, but it always makes my skin crawl. Even just the constant stares from men when all I’m trying to do is ride my bike from one place to another… it’s like, everyone is taught that it’s rude to stare as a young child, but no, not if you’re a man, then you can stare at women (and young girls even!) as much as you like, to the point of making them really uncomfortable.
LOOOOOVE the LAST PANEL wow!
Bisous from France,
*-* Sand. *-*
I especially hate being catcalled out of a moving car, because they know you can’t do anything about it! I usually just flip them the bird. But ladies – practice your disgusted face! The nastier the better, seriously.
“I’LL CUT THAT OFF!!!!!!” <<< yes yes yes
This is SO great. I love the comic, I love the fact that you’re talking about this, I love the tips, I love the humor – I love it!
I’m in love with this! It’s really cute visually and has some great advice. Catcalling makes me feel so out of control and vulnerable, but I think these are definitely some tips that I could use. Thank you!!!!
All around YES
Once, I got catcalled by a couple of guys so I turned my head towards them and said “i’m not an animal you pricks!”.
They stared at me, shocked XD
CHANGED MY URL!