"What It’s Like to Be Invisible"

"personally I find being hit on far less damaging than something that’s happened at several events I’ve attended recently: not being seen.

This is true even when I’m a speaker. If I’m standing near a man, someone will inevitably come up and talk to the man, assuming I’m his plus one.

And when men introduce their wives, they often leave it at that — “oh, and this is my wife, Mary.” (Mary smiles and nods, and the man continues talking about whatever he said before, directed mostly at the other man). I’m left wondering, is that Mary’s role in life — this man’s wife? Why don’t I learn anything more about her? And why isn’t he more curious about what I do?...

if you witness a man doing what I’ve described above, gently but firmly call him out. Talk to his wife, girlfriend or colleague. Bestow on her the same respect usually reserved for other men."
https://medium.com/@leilajanah/what-it-s-like-to-be-invisible-520526d244e4#.4ucg65nhh