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The day before yesterday, I was walking down the street with my mask on.
A total stranger stopped me to ask very sarcastically if "there is a reason we should be wearing masks".
They were clearly hoping I would engage in conflict with them and I refused to, but it still was pretty upsetting.
While I was walking away, they said to someone at the crosswalk, "can you believe this?" And for a moment, they turned and tried to engage me AGAIN.
This was quite alarming - but somehow, it gets worse.
I'm in the middle of a huge work event, and it's very risky for me because I'm immunocompromised. Of course, there are ZERO covid precautions in place, and I'm one of the few people in a mask.
Someone walked up to me yesterday, reached out, and literally pulled my mask away from my face. There were no words spoken before this, no confrontation, just someone deciding they could violate my personal space and put my life at risk.
I immediately became stern and said "please don't do that."
They walked away.
I reported it to HR and then immediately had a panic attack. I had to run outside, away from everyone, to attempt to feel my feelings and self regulate out of fight or flight.
The anger then set it.
I am still in shock and disbelief this happened. My PTSD is triggered. I feel violated and hurt.
This person KNOWS I'm immunocompromised. They've masked up to get a ride from me.
Yet they still felt entitled enough to violate my personal space, my autonomy, and risk my health and well being by breaking the seal on my mask.
Thankfully, I was able to hold my breath and am using nasal spray to help mitigate, so I am praying I won't catch covid due to this.
However, I think what's more important is that I realize this didn't happen in a vacuum.
This is the result of continued abelism perpetuated by our government and health officials refusing to acknowledge the risks of COVID 19.
A campaign that tells people they can vaxx and relax.
A world that says it's okay to spread a deadly illness because partying, bars, concerts, and not wearing a mask, is more important than community health.
It's capitalism and patriarchy raising men and teaching them its okay to touch people without their consent.
It doesn't have to be this way.
I refuse to stop masking. Even if I'm the only one left. I won't participate in the mass infection and disablement of my community members. Don't let them gaslight you into risking your health and the health of others for dinner at a restaurant.
Wear a mask.
Stay safe.
And goddess forbid it happens again, my words will be much harsher than the first time.