"The SlutWalk protest marches began on April 3, 2011 in Toronto, Canada and became a movement of rallies across the world. Participants protest against explaining or excusing rape by referring to any aspect of a woman's appearance. The rallies began when Constable Michael Sanguinetti, a Toronto Police officer, suggested that to remain safe, 'women should avoid dressing like sluts.' The protest takes the form of a march, mainly by young women, where some dress in ordinary clothing and others dress provocatively, like 'sluts'. There are also speaker meetings and workshops. Some objectors have remarked that this approach is an example of women defining their sexuality in male terms.
"On January 24, 2011 Constable Michael Sanguinetti spoke on crime prevention at a York University safety forum. He said: 'women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized'. Co-founders Sonya Barnett and Heather Jarvis decided to use the word slut in their response. They observe that historically, 'slut' has had negative connotations, and that their goal is to redeem the term. They write that women 'are tired of being oppressed by slut-shaming; of being judged by our sexuality and feeling unsafe as a result'. They continue: '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'. Sanguinetti later apologized for the remark.
"On April 3, 2011, over 3,000 gathered at Queen's Park (Toronto). The day began with speeches before moving to the Toronto Police Headquarters. Although the website requested women to dress in everyday wear (to symbolize ordinary women, sexually assaulted in ordinary life), many women dressed as 'sluts' in provocative clothing. The idea spread to include major cities around the globe. Jessica Valenti says: 'In just a few months, SlutWalks have become the most successful feminist action of the past 20 years'. SlutWalks have been attended by thousands of women and men, and debated in the media." *courtesy of Wikipedia
We demand safety and respect for everyone!
However we’re dressed, whatever our appearance.
Whether we choose to participate in sex for pleasure, for work, or not at all.
Any time, any place, anywhere.
We demand that sexual harassment and assault stops now!
We demand that sexual harassment and assault stops now!
***We are currently building the SWSF '12 organizing team! Please email us if you would like to join our movement!***
SLUTWALKSFBAY@GMAIL.COM or HUMAN@SLUTWALKSFBAY.ORG