All our schooling had been at private girls' schools so, apart from holidays, we haven't really had to learn how to deal with situations when a boy hits on us. Even then, Chelsea and I had pretty much always done everything together. On the occasions that a boy did try it on, a polite 'Sorry I'm not interested, but thank you for asking' usually did the job. Having said that, we remember the occasional muttered 'lesbian' comment as the rejected boys went on their way trying to regain their self-esteem. Little did they realise!
Things changed when we started at RLSM, this was higher education where by the time of our second year everyone, apart from the most brilliant of students was an adult aged 18 or over. We were now dealing with intelligent young men multiple times every day. Fortunately, we were always practising a piece for a test, recital or exam and such a specific objection was usually understood and accepted. We move around campus in groups which we think helps.
In our ad hoc ensembles we meet some nice young men that seemed committed to their course and as they proved themselves, we used to move around the campus with them. Having said all that, there were still occasions when we heard the muttered 'lesbian' comments as the rejected young men went on their way. The risk of being 'outed' was a constant threat because it might provoke harassment, or worse.
Toward the end of our second year Professor Susan calls a secret meeting of the steering committee for the sorority at Mum's house. We look forward to hearing a progress report on how the project is developing. The greeting is just as intimate as before but both Mum & Susan look serious. In the sitting room Susan tells us that the school's computer system has been hacked and the Technology Department are investigating to determine what information has been accessed. To say we are stunned is an understatement!
Susan continues by telling us that, so far, the security of the faculty server hasn't been breached. We explain how we are currently protecting ourselves and Susan congratulates us adding that extra security cameras around campus are planned. Also, a new style of identity badge will be issued to everyone before we leave for recess.
Mum asks if Susan would liaise with members of the gay fraternity to see if any would be willing to befriend members of the lesbian sorority for the purpose of moving around campus as a group to dissuade potential harassment. Such a move might encourage others to come out thereby increasing the number of, and the size of the groups. Susan thinks it a capital idea and will put it to the faculty to send out a briefing memo to all students and staff to demonstrate that RLSM is aware of the harassment and prepared to deal with it. We all like the idea and thank her.