This Pirate Fights Back!

This happened a few years ago before I knew of Holla Back. I live in California and a friend and I were taking a trip to a convention. Costumes were encouraged so I dressed up in a pirate costume. I had a long sleeved shirt, a close to knee length skirt, high boots, and a hat. Not the best pirate costume but it was last minute. To get back to her car to get home we had to take the bus. After getting on the bus two girls give us these weird looks and asked why I'm dressed up. I'm about to explain why when I see a flash go off. I turn to see a middle aged man turn off his camera and pocket it. My friend laughed and said "They only photograph the beautiful ones!" I, on the other hand, am angry. I shouted at him "What the hell are you doing?!" Both my friend and the girls were horrified at my behavior and chastised me for yelling at a stranger. My friend told me that I shouldn't be upset because he "only photographs the beautiful ones." The stranger made no effort to answer me and acted as if I hadn't said anything. He continued to stare at me until our bus stop. On the way out I flipped him the bird which thinking back probably wasn't the best idea in the long run but I was furious. I had been harassed before by boys and it really does take away a sense of safety. I still do wear skirts but haven't worn that pirate costume since the incident. Submitted by Erin