In the protective bubble of Folleterre, we often feel insulated from the outside world, forgetting that we are not as isolated as we feel. Over the past few years, drama has repeatedly arisen involving one man from the region who is friends with the family of the first lake and often frequents the area. He often comes when the family is there, but he may come alone as well.

Generally, his interactions with faeries involves propositioning themfor sex. This, in and of itself, is not a problem; faeries welcome cruising culture and expression of desire among strangers. And, in the past, he has been successful – there has been at least one faerie who has engaged in consensual sexual activity with him.

But problems have arisen because the man has also engaged in inappropriate behaviors, including:

1. Hiding in the bushes to watch faeries swim and cavort
2. Non-consensually touching faeries, including their genitalia
3. Making rude or prejudiced comments about faeries’ bodies and gender

So far, nothing has reached the level that merits involving the police, although the severity of interactions has worsened over the years. The family is aware of the problems and has spoken with the man, but does not want to get involved in any further issues.

It is likely faeries will continue to interact with the man – while he is often at the first lake, he has also been spotted at the second lake, at the prairie, at the hunters’ cabin, and along the public paths. There are some steps that can be taken to lessen the chance of problems, however:

1. When the family is having an event at the lake, do not pass by their house. Not only will this make the family happier, as they do not like the parade of faeries passing by, but it will also lessen the chance that the man will know of the presence of fairies and be tempted to follow them. There are alternative routes to the second lake that go from the prairie or the monument.
2. If he is far away watching you, ignore him. If he gets close, say no firmly and go somewhere else. Do not escalate the situation. He does not speak English.
3. If you feel you are unable to handle an interaction with the man, do not go up near the lakes alone.

If a problem does arise, tell the facilitators, the stewards, and, if necessary the police. If the family needs to be contacted, the stewards will do so, please do not do so yourself.

Also, please do not be a vigilante. Do not seek out this man out of righteous indignation, desire to educate him, or create drama. This can have repercussions beyond what you do, creating problems to future faeries, residents and stewards. It can also bring more unwanted attention from the outside world, with unpredictable results. The best option is always to avoid him and deescalate interactions.