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Sexually harassed at first conference
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Hi i’m a 19 year old sophmore in college and i just attended my first molecular biology conference. I was very excited to learn and present a poster with my research

The conference had an open bar and this older drunk man (atleast 50) was following me around and interrupting conversations i was having with other presenters. Then he begun hitting on me (including crude scientific pickup lines) and was not taking the hint I wasn’t interested.

I am unfortunately used to this behavior but I hoped that this would’ve been different. I just feel like I can never escape this type of treatment by men.

And I can’t help feeling upset and scared that i’ll always be considered less competent and an object in these spaces.

I also feel guilty bc I told the lab mates what happens but once they started trying to persuade me to tell our PI I didn’t want too. I just was scared and wanted to act like it didn’t happen.

Any advice?

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That man made a poor choice and dealing with the consequences of his behavior. You are not at fault for reporting.

My advice is to nip it in the bud with a calm, firm, professional tone, "This is inappropriate. I am not having this conversation." Be direct. Don't leave "hints" or be subtle. He's a grown man and should know better.

You are not responsible for how he reacts to your boundary. No one should ever tell you that "you are making a big deal" or "He was just joking" or "men will be men" or gaslight you in anyway. If anyone makes you uncomfortable, you are within your right to speak up.

Conferences have a code of conduct for attendees and presenters. Speak up to an organizer privately. There should be zero tolerance for any type of harassment.

This applies to anyone. I had another woman made a comment about my large tits in a group in a professional setting. The men were uncomfortable. I just told her, "And why are you focused on my body?" She's like, "I'm just joking." My answer, "No one else is laughing. This isn't appropriate. Change the topic, pls." And then I change the subject.

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1 year ago