I want you to know that I recognize you. What you shared with the world takes a level of bravery that I don’t know I’ll ever be able to have. You looked inward, relived what undoubtedly must be some of your most painful memories, and bared your soul to everyone you know in solidarity with millions of other women, many of whom are unable to speak about their own traumas.

You are an inspiration.

I understand it might seem disingenuous hearing this from a man. Sexual harassment is not something I’ve had to deal with much in my life because of my gender and my race and I understand that I have a major advantage because of that. But I recognize my role as a man to educate other men and prevent these atrocities from happening.

Every woman has rights to autonomy over their bodies and the pursuit of their own happiness. Sexual assault must no longer be written off as “boys being boys” or dismissed as a man who “couldn’t help himself.”

We have to do better than that.

No means no. Full stop.

Don’t listen to anyone who may have belittled you for “following a trend” by saying this, either. Sharing your pain is one of the bravest, most selfless things you can do, and I respect you immensely for it. You cannot allow anyone to get in the way of your healing or your happiness. It’s an individual experience; don’t let anyone judge you for finding peace in your life.

By sharing the horrors you’ve endured, you inspired someone else out there struggling with the same demons as you. You reminded those unable to cope with or process their trauma that they are not alone, that life goes on and gets better in the aftermath. You’re a beacon for millions of women, trans people, and even men who are trapped in a storm of anxiety, of disgust and rage and helplessness. They may not ever tell you, but at least one person who was assaulted sees you and appreciates you.

From a man who will hold his friends accountable and educate them on how to do the right thing, I want you to know that your bravery, strength, and honesty does not go unnoticed. You are a warrior. You will go on and thrive and live your life to its fullest potential. No matter what, regardless of whatever mouthbreather insists you’re “just looking for attention” or “making it up”, you do not give them the satisfaction of ruining your progress.

The world is yours to take. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. And when you’ve overcome your pain and made your dreams a reality, I hope that when someone tells you they survived the worst and went on to live the happiest life possible, you can look them right in the eye and say “me too.”