Since the dawn of time, men have always seemed to operate under the fallacious idea that it is their duty to protect us of the “weaker sex”. From the armor-clad knights venturing forward to fight for their lovely ladies to redneck dad’s holding a rifle menacingly in view of prom dates. It’s almost a mixture of overextended chivalry and egotistic male superiority. The latest version of this wonderful little phenomena seems to have taken form as a valid weapon of the politician’s arsenal. As if validating bills and laws with “women’s safety” in mind doesn’t patronize, belittle and exploit us. So, this one goes out to you guys and a few flaws in your oh-so-noble intentions.

To the men who want to protect me from unsafe abortions:

Tell me more about your vast experience giving birth and getting abortions. I truly am interested to hear. If this isn’t the most obvious reason why men should not have any say in women’s health care, then let me spell it out. A man, who is incapable of ever carrying a baby, much less aborting it, who has the leisure of picking and choosing which parts of women’s health care to debate, should have no right to say anything about the topic. However, here you are, trying to deny us of the right to even choose for ourselves, as if the responsibility is beyond our ability. As if this task isn't extremely daunting and emotionally tolling already.

To the men who want to protect me from using the same restroom as transgenders:

Please show me the statistics of rape and assault you’re so afraid will come out of this. Please show me the evidential data of transgender rapes you’re so certain will skyrocket should we let people pee in their restroom of choice. And where was this stop-the-rapist mindset when you created and perpetuated the rape culture we live in today? Where has this concern been when we continue to ask women, “what were you wearing?” instead of “how can I help”, only building up the reality of victim blaming. You’ve turned your eye to convicted rapists with get-out-of-jail-free privilege cards to an imaginary plight you’ve created merely to subjugate a group of people you don’t approve of. Don't pretend to suddenly want to protect me when all you're doing is playing target practice with your political gun.

To the men who claim to be trying to protect me:

Thanks, but no thanks. Don’t use my safety as a political gambit or a reason to back your bigotry and prejudice. Don’t use my safety as a means to patronize me like a child, control how I live and what I do. My safety is not, nor will ever be, a cover up for your twisted ethics. Thanks but no thanks. I’m a big girl who can take care of myself. And I’d like the freedom to do it.