Yet another feminist rant (?)

When I started debating, I noticed how male-dominated the space was. Debates would take the whole day, and I’d often reach home really late, sometimes 8 or 9 p.m. One time, it got so late that I wasn’t even sure I’d make it home on time. That feeling, not just being late but the fear and stress around it and how it would affected me getting permission for future tournaments. What stayed with me was that only one senior female debater really got what I meant. She didn’t question it, didn’t downplay it, she just understood it wasn’t me being overdramatic. Now I’m a senior. We had to travel to another state as judges, and one girl’s father insisted on coming with her. At first this request may seem bizarre to you. we were all university students! but I didn’t find it strange. I knew where it was coming from. I even spoke to him and assured him it would be fine. Funnily enough I’m still trying to convince my own father to let me go on the same trip. So, I’m in this in-between place. I feel more confident now, but I also still deal with the same limits. Still, it felt nice to be able to help her out.


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