When I was unemployed I sometimes had to hop the subway to get to interviews. Often times I would get a swipe in from someone who could afford it: every single time it was from a man. Occasionally a bus driver would let me on knowing I had no fare, every time a man.

I see women get pity all the time. People give them swipes, the person in the booth let's them in through the side gate. The men just stand, hoping someone will catch their gaze and do them a solid.

Now that I have a job and an unlimited metrocard, everytime I see a man standing by the turnstile, trying to do the right thing and not hop the subway, I give him a swipe in. Just today I swiped in two guys who looked down on their luck and just needed to get where they were going. It felt good.