“Introducing” is an ongoing series in which we ask bloggers, activists, allies, entrepreneurs and assorted Bostonians about their inspirations, motivations, super powers and experiences with street harassment. If you know someone you think we should feature here, please drop us a line!
Julia is a Boston runner, blogger, volunteer and sports fanatic; you can find more from her at It’s Not That Weird and on twitter.
Tell us about yourself – what are you into? I’m super into running, and since I moved back to Boston I can frequently be found running along the Charles or the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. I’m currently training for the Chicago marathon. I’m also a huge Boston sports fan and a beer nut, so when I’m not running I can likely be found in a bar watching some game or other and sampling a new brew. I did a lot of sex positive education in college and I try to stay active in the space by volunteering with an incredible educational performance group in Maine called Speak About It and writing my blog, It’s Not That Weird, which focuses on sex positivity, feminism, and comedy.
Define your style: Casual, definitely. I’m not a naturally creative dresser but my mom buys me awesome clothes so I often have cooler outfits than I should. I’m very partial to bright colors when I run, not just for safety but also because I assume it makes me look faster.
Favorite Boston fact: I grew up in Lexington so I love the history of the American Revolution. My favorite Boston fact is that Charles Ponzi, the original Ponzi schemer, set up his now-infamous scam in Boston.
Your favorite place in Boston? I love walking around the North End. Also Fenway Park is one of my favorite places ever.
Have you experienced/witnessed street harassment in Boston? What stood out most in your memory? I just moved to Boston and I feel fortunate that I haven’t experienced or witnessed much street harassment. A few times I have experienced men yelling at me while I’m running which I normally shake off because I’m going faster than they are. One time a guy yelled something at me while he was on a bike, however, and that really caught me off guard because I felt acutely aware of the fact that I probably couldn’t outrun him.
What’s your signature response to street harassment – your go-to Hollaback? I typically just ignore it – but when I feel emboldened or it seems particularly egregious I say “Not interested.” I am more likely to try to say something when I see someone else being harassed – in that instance I typically ask the person if they are okay so they know they’re not alone.
Your superpower is… Making other people feel comfortable! I’m short, loud, and make frequent jokes so I’m good at easing tension.
What are you excited about in 2013? The Chicago Marathon, my first ever marathon! Also I’m looking forward to watching baseball playoffs in Boston instead of New York City, where I lived for the past three years (only so much Yankee country a Boston girl can handle).
What inspires you? My mom inspires me because she defines success as a life lived learning. She’s always taking a new class and learning something exciting – it reminds me to never be complacent and to seek out new opportunities and new people every chance I can.
If you could leave the world one piece of advice, what would it be? Above all, be genuine. Don’t let other people’s issues, doubts, regrets, problems, or pettiness get in the way of living your life for you.
Thank you, Julia – good luck with marathon training!
image credit: It’s Not That Weird