Julia Hartley-Brewer

I’ve now been contacted by numerous people about the ‘Boob Man of Oxford’. Those who work or study at Oxford have asked for anonymity, so I can’t share identifying details. But some common themes have emerged: - Unsurprisingly, women describe feeling uncomfortable about a male lecturer wearing what appear to be oversized prosthetic breasts in their place of work or study - Some question whether there is a sexual element or whether it is a ‘power play’. These are their concerns, rather than established explanations for his behaviour - but are legitimate concerns nonetheless - They say they’re afraid to raise concerns because he is surrounded by ‘allies’, including staff, who defend his appearance as 'self-expression' One source has even wondered whether this is an elaborate stunt to embarrass the university - along the lines of Josh Seiter, who pretended to be a trans woman as an 'experiment'. Another source says this has been going on for three years - which does seem a long time to keep up the act. There is interest in covering this in the mainstream press. What would help now is more documentary evidence: complaint letters, responses or correspondence showing how concerns have been handled. My inbox is open: [email protected]. Happy to have a confidential chat about any aspect of this. All messages treated in confidence.