Coinciding with, and supported by, Camp Betty 2011, the Sydney SlutWalk stands in solidarity with Toronto (and other cities internationally) against victim blaming and slut shaming.
"On January 24th, 2011, a representative of the Toronto Police gave shocking insight into the Force’s view of sexual assault by stating: “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized”.
With sexual assault already a significantly... under-reported crime, survivors have now been given even less of a reason to go to the Police, for fear that they could be blamed. Being assaulted isn’t about what you wear; it’s not even about sex; but using a pejorative term to rationalize inexcusable behaviour creates an environment in which it’s okay to blame the victim.
Historically, the term ‘slut’ has carried a predominantly negative connotation. Aimed at those who are sexually promiscuous, be it for work or pleasure, it has primarily been women who have suffered under the burden of this label. And whether dished out as a serious indictment of one’s character or merely as a flippant insult, the intent behind the word is always to wound, so we’re taking it back. “Slut” is being re-appropriated.
We are tired of being oppressed by slut-shaming; of being judged by our sexuality and feeling unsafe as a result. Being in charge of our sexual lives should not mean that we are opening ourselves to an expectation of violence, regardless if we participate in sex for pleasure or work. No one should equate enjoying sex with attracting sexual assault.
We are asking you to join us for SlutWalk, to make a unified statement about sexual assault and victims’ rights and to demand respect for all. Whether a fellow slut or simply an ally, you don’t have to wear your sexual proclivities on your sleeve, we just ask that you come. Any gender-identification, any age. Singles, couples, parents, sisters, brothers, children, friends. Come walk or roll or strut or holler or stomp with us.
Join us in our mission to spread the word that those those who experience sexual assault are not the ones at fault, without exception."
(http://www.slutwalktoronto.com/)
SlutWalk Sydney: Monday 13th June
2pm meet outside "I have a dream" mural, King St, Newtown
3pm speakers and performance at PLUMP Gallery, Enmore Rd, Enmore (TBC)
4pm arrive at the market at the back of Red Rattler -Wicks Park, Marrickville
Contact: slutwalksydney@gmail.com
*******All triggering and disrespectful comments with be deleted, so please do not waste your time********
Comments
Re: SlutWalk Sydney
Hi girls
Unfortunately I won't be in Sydney that day (Mon 13) so I can't come along, but I hope you are going to be thousands!!!
Wishing all the best
cheers
ginger
Re: SlutWalk Sydney
I can not remember a time when I wasn't outraged the social norm of blaming dress for assault. It is an archaic ideal that needs to be changed. I love that someone has brought this event to Sydney. I will be there with bells on.
Re: SlutWalk Sydney
Dammit - who can make 2pm on a Monday? Nice idea - bummer about the timing.
Re: SlutWalk Sydney
Great idea!!! But timing is terrible. I'd love to make this walk and have many friends who are keen too, but 2pm Monday is impossible. Please consider rescheduling for a weekend so all the 9 to 5er sluts can make it.
Re: SlutWalk Sydney
Monday 13th June is a public holiday ladies!!
Re: SlutWalk Sydney
Hi girls, i am walking because i have been raped, many times actually, all by people i have known. recently i heard on the news that when it comes to rape cases a new law had passed allowing charges to be pressed, against the person who had been raped, as an accomplice!!! how can you become an accomplice to someone stealing your dignity i ask? it takes a long time to shift the trauma of rape from the fore-front of your mind to the very rear and some people never quite shift it and remain in that post traumatic state - this is a horrible way to live life. Rape - taking someone else's body and doing what you want with it - just because you can! just because your stronger and more powerful!! Just because you want to experience what a power trip really feels like - this is a sick and twister mind and anyone believing that the victim can be an accomplice to their own rape is just as sick and twisted! The media isn't helping us either - most people still have a tendency to believe that a woman's behaviour contributes to her rape! Like the rapist's self control has nothing to do with the matter. When we live in a society where we are taught to say no to violence, no to violence against women, no to violence against children, no to violence against animals, why are we still allowing these archaic attitudes with regard to men blatantly using violence to fulfill a sexual desire? The more we all re-educate our society with events such as this, the quicker we will get equality! find your friends everyone and join in to making a difference.... lots of love to you all
Re: SlutWalk Sydney
Monday 13th June is public holiday. Woot!
Re: SlutWalk Sydney
Can you clarify? The Facebook Slutwalk page and everywhere else really has the starting point at Town Hall in Sydney. Why have you got the MLK Mural at Newtown as a starting point?
Re: SlutWalk Sydney
Hi Sluts
any chance of a root after the march?I will be wearing a T-shirt saying I love SLUTS so don't be shy to talk to me after the march.
PS I'm a male SLUT and proud of it