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Gross!

Ever since we started our Instagram account, we are harassed and objectified—mostly by men, but also by women.

Our most recent encounter started with a simple "gross." We basically knew what this person meant, but we were curious: "what exactly?", we asked. Apparently, it's "SO FUCKING GROSS" to be lesbians, it's "haram" (forbidden by Islamic law), and god will put us in heaven. But the explanation and solution were simple: we can't find a man to love us ("you can't even have a child, dude"), but listening to the Quran would help us. Thanks, darling!

Alternatively, we will be going to hell, as another person told us. It's so confusing!

Other messages are usually less elaborate, do not offer solutions. One of our 'favorite' ones was just one line: "pee into my mouth, please." (This one was really polite!) Others directly or indirectly asked for a threesome (that's gross!). People (men and women) looking for a sugar baby make us wish we could have the money and gifts without any obligations, but have been respectful so far.

We chose to be on Instagram because we strongly believe that visibility creates change. We subconsciously knew that this would bring harassers, bullies, and creeps to our account. Yet, it still surprises us every time that people take the time to voice their hate, their desires, their objectification.

When these messages and comments started coming in, we chose to not take them seriously. We chose to see them as entertainment, although they are, of course, not. They are worrying, maddening, saddening. But we won't let them have this power over us. We are proud of who we are and they don't deserve our attention.
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Location: Cologne, Germany

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