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A previous study revealed that nearly 3 out of every 4 workplace sexual harassment claims go unreported. Some reasons include fear of retaliation or that the issue will go unaddressed. A Redditor who goes by the user name "TransparentVoices" took the the forum "True Off My Chest" to ask if he's in the wrong for being offended by an uncomfortable conversation at work — about his pants.
"I wear normal pants to work. Our dress code is business casual, and I have gotten myself sized by a reputable tailor. All my slacks and chinos are from normal brands you'd find at Macy's and are normal/relaxed fit," he wrote in the viral thread.
"However yesterday my boss called me into her office and told me I would no longer be allowed to wear the pants I normally wear to the office and would have to wear something 'less revealing'. Apparently, my 'bulge' is inappropriate for the workplace. I have a normally-size penis. I actually f*****g measured it to make sure I wasn't crazy, and I'm pretty close to the U.S average."
The man then pointed out that women in his workplace "wear far more provocative clothing than my damn slacks." He then asked his superior what he should wear instead to which she responded, 'just go buy something looser or get a bigger size'"
More than 5,000 people commented on the thread that has 27,500 upvotes.
"I would be concerned that someone stared at my crotch enough to notice that," bricameasromans said.
Shh-NotUntilMyCoffee agreed saying, "Send an email to HR and your boss and her boss and ask for a mediator for your continued discussion between your boss and you about the size of your penis in your work pants as you don't feel comfortable discussing it privately with her."
Another suggested an email to get it all in writing: Just sent your boss an email:
"'Hi boss, Just to confirm our meeting the other day. You'd like me to buy looser fitting clothes, because with my current attire you find that my 'bulge' is too visible? Regards, TransparentVoices,'" thomooo said.
"Former HR manager here, at this time, it is workplace harassment. Improper addressing of a personal concern of a upper management without another individual, or third party, in the room, in addition to making an employee uncomfortable on company time," DaFightins wrote.
They added: "There is nothing said that it was brought to this "bosses" attention or if it was her own conclusion regarding their apparel. Either way, it was mishandled. Any statement that makes any employee reasonably uncomfortable can be viewed as harassment. Sexual harassment is completely different and falls under a broader umbrella. Take great notes, create a timeline and screen shot any and all emails/documentation and never quit your job. In the meantime, on your own time and phone contain a workers rights attorney...a damn good one."
