'Joke' or HR matter?

[MapleSyrupMoose]

New name as I don't want this linked to my other posts.

I absolutely adore my job and can sometimes get a bit obsessive about new projects. Last week, I was up cycling in the wee hours of the morning, had a sudden idea, and sent an email to a colleague of mine (work email address) regarding this. He almost immediately sent a message to my personal phone number saying, 'Wow you're up early', followed by one saying, 'I don't know why women like you bother working, you could probably sell nudes online and make a fortune'. I ignored him. We had a teams meeting a few hours later and I largely ignored him too. He then sent a message saying, 'Come on, it's just a joke'!

Would I be overreacting if I reported this to HR? Or should I just take it as a 'joke' and move on? We're about the same age (20s but I'm not sure if that matters) in the same role.

@MapleSyrupMoose

Small update. I was in a teams meeting today with the colleague from the OP, another 3 colleagues, and a woman from a branch in another country. Meeting went great, and right after that woman left someone said, 'She's a 9/10,' which, ok, fine. Colleague from the OP then said, 'Do you reckon she's on Only Fans? Would love to see her topless'. I said, 'Seriously mate? So inappropriate,' after which the 9/10 comment guy replied with, 'Everyone's on it now what's the big deal'. It's a fairly casual office environment so there's usually a fair amount of 'banter' going around but this doesn't feel the same. Can't wait till our usual manager is back from leave as no one made these comments back when he's in the call.

So why did you not go on to say that it's unacceptable in the work place?

Why are you waiting for other people to make comments? Why can't you stand up for yourself/other women?

I used to work in a very casual office environment, but this kind of conversation simply wouldn't have happened - but even if it had, it would have been jumped on very swiftly.

Honestly, I’d have challenged that very strongly, it’s not office banter and actively creates a hostile working environment for women. I know it can be difficult to go against the office “norm” but if it’s never said in the presence of the other manager it’s because these guys know it’s not acceptable and they temper their behaviour accordingly. The other manager won’t challenge it if they don’t hear it, so the situation will continue if you don’t speak up.

She's a 9/10,' which, ok, fine.

I also have to ask what on Earth makes you think the “9/10” comment was fine? It’s absolutely not ok to rate colleagues, make or female, on their appearance. It sounds like you’ve lived with it for so long you’ve lost sight of acceptable workplace behaviour.

You're so worried about getting a reputation for being a troublemaker (Really... that's not going to happen because you reported sexist insults, older and wiser you will look back and absolutely cringe to think that it would)

I'm my experience that's exactly what happened. But i still report stuff, knowing that it sets me apart from the rest of the team and that i will be treated differently because of it.