Slut Walk

*double take*
What did I just write?

Well.  This past Sunday I went to a rally/march/protest dubbed "Slut Walk".

The back ground (taken from www.slutwalktoronto.com):

"BECAUSE WE’VE HAD ENOUGH!
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”.
As the city’s major protective service, the Toronto Police have perpetuated the myth and stereotype of ‘the slut’, and in doing so have failed us. 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 a movement demanding that our voices be heard. We are here to call foul on our Police Force and demand change. We want Toronto Police Services to take serious steps to regain our trust. We want to feel that we will be respected and protected should we ever need them, but more importantly be certain that those charged with our safety have a true understanding of what it is to be a survivor of sexual assault — slut or otherwise.
We are tired of speeches filled with lip service and the apologies that accompany them. What we want is meaningful dialogue and we are doing something about it: WE ARE COMING TOGETHER. As people from all gender expressions and orientations, all walks of life, levels of employment and education, all races, ages, abilities, and backgrounds, from all points of this city and elsewhere.
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 who experience sexual assault are not the ones at fault, without exception."


So I went.

I went because I *have* been assaulted.  I went because I am a burlesque performer and have been...not quite assaulted.  I went because I have been leered and whistled at when fully clothed.  I went because I am a woman, and I enjoy being sexual.  If I had had the forethought,  my sign would have read:

GARDENER

CLOWN

BURLESQUE PERFORMER

PHOTOGRAPHER

WHO DESERVES TO BE VICTIMIZED?

I'M ALL OF THE ABOVE

I'M NOT ASKING FOR IT AT ANY TIME

I *did* feel kinda funny about using the work "slut".  I somewhat understood that it was "taking it back".  Maybe like the word "fag" or "nigger".  It didn't really feel *good*.  It felt uncomfortable.  I did however want to go support the idea behind the walk.  While there, when one of the organizers spoke, she said why they decided to use the work slut.  It is such a strong, shocking word.  It got peoples attention.  For some reason that made me feel a little better about the name.  (I suppose even bad press is still press.)  

I had a fabulous time with Sisu, and my other wonderful slutty friends (using the re appropriated use of course!).  It was emotional, and empowering.  It was wonderful to see HOW many people there where out.  most in regular clothes, some in "slutty" clothes.  

I found myself getting *really* angry at peoples comments on articles and on the facebook.  People saying how dumb it was going on a march/protest dressed like sluts becuase of one thing that one cop said.  We must be man haters, and cop haters.  When, although some women dressed like sluts, that wasn't the point of the walk.  

The point was to, address 'slut shaming', victim blaming, and the fact that we teach how not to get raped, rather than for people NOT to rape at all.  To address the fact that better methods of assault training need to be addressed/taught.

I'm a proud slut.  In the new sense of the word, a *person* who enjoys (consensual) sex, and sexuality.  There is NOTHING wrong with that. 

this was *just* the beginning!  *so* many more people came!

(see the rest of the photos at beccaphotog.blogspot.com )