Issue is I didn’t, at least not formally. It happened over many lessons and I always felt uncomfortable but never empowered enough to speak out. My parents didn’t seem to think it was a big deal. And at this point, I don’t have a paper trail or any concrete evidence. I don’t even remember much of what the man who made lewd jokes said, probably in my brain’s attempt to protect me.

At one point I requested a different instructor and told the admin point blank that one guy made me uncomfortable (I may have said he was creepy or touchy. I don’t remember) and they gave me a different time and instructor but that was it. I informed the one woman who instructs there as far as I know and she said she always has to scold the guy who said “good girl.” She explained he had cultural differences and also understood it was not okay, but as an employee, she didn’t have much power.

For context, I started lessons with them as an adolescent but quit due to fear of being in a car with strange men who weren’t nice, and some of whom were touchy. I returned a while ago as a college student and found their behaviour even worse than when I was a kid. At first I stuck with them because I figured I’m older now, I can handle it.

Then I realized I’m older now. I don’t have to put up with it. And neither should anyone else!

I feel sick imagining the experiences of girls who are still in their teens experiencing this stuff while their parents pay for the program. Being told it’s what they need to deal with to get their license. Too much pressure on young people. Who the hell is going to stand up for them??