“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!
Lei Ann is a Boston-based acupuncturist, kung fu sifu, occasional cosplayer, and fashion blogger at Lei Ann Off Duty. You can find her on twitter and instagram, and wandering the halls of Boston Comic Con today. Go say hello!
Tell us about yourself – what are you into? I’m definitely equal parts girly-girl who loves high heels, full/frilly dresses & plenty of makeup & then the geeky nerd boy side of me who loves kung fu, action movies, superheroes & other forms of bad-assery.
Define your style: Girly, but definitely with an edge…print mixing, bubble skirts, leather harnesses, poufy shoulders, thigh high boots…but not crazy lolita or Harajuku style…a *bit* more subtle than that 
Favorite Boston fact: That you are allowed to duel to the death on the Boston Common, but only on Sundays & only when the Governor is present ^_^
Your favorite place in Boston? Chinatown! I train kung fu down there. I love eating at all the restaurants down there. With the new Chinatown Park/Greenway area where even food trucks park, it’s a much nicer place to hang out.
Have you experienced/witnessed street harassment in Boston? What stood out most in your memory? My weirdest experience with street harassment was back when I used to work at a hospital & was waiting for the bus wearing my scrubs…the most unattractive, least revealing uniform ever! When I would get whistled at while wearing the scrubs, it made me realize that it doesn’t matter what a woman wears; it’s the other person’s mentality that is the heart of that behavior. No one ever deserves that kind of treatment no matter what he or she is wearing.
What’s your signature response to street harassment – your go-to Hollaback? I just ignore it. I don’t let it bother me & walk away. I’ve never had any situation escalate from that point if I just walk away.
Your superpower is… green light karma! Seriously, my husband thinks it’s uncanny I can cruise through traffic lights that stay green while when he accelerates, it turns red on him…hahaha!
What are you excited about in 2013? I’ve had a lot of really great things happen to me this year. My adorable niece was born back in February. I went to Mexico for the first time. I’m already pretty happy with what this year has brought
What inspires you? People who worked hard all their lives, sometimes even 2 jobs, have never complained & are now able to enjoy the fruits of their labor, travel & live life easy in their “golden” years…in other words, my parents.
If you could leave the world one piece of advice, what would it be? Truly…don’t sweat the small stuff & it really is all small stuff.
Lei Ann, thank you so much!
image credit: Lei Ann Off Duty