My white colleagues keep asking to touch my braided hair. How do I tell them it’s not OK? | Ms Understanding

Your feelings are valid, says Sisonke Msimang, but the burden shouldn't be on you to create a professional workplace

• Ms Understanding is an advice column for everyone on everyday issues around race

Dear Ms Understanding,

I have my hair braided and I wear it braided to work. Every so often, I get a white person comment about it and ask to touch it. It's uncomfortable for me but I usually politely oblige figuring it's easier and faster than having the conversation that I'd like to. I'd like to know how to politely inform anyone that requests to touch my braided hair that this is not OK. I am Australian-African with dark pigmented skin and kinky hair.