Hi Everyone,
You haven’t heard much from us, but don’t think that means we haven’t been meeting and planning!
We will be announcing the SlutWalk 2012 date any second now and we are really looking forward to seeing you all there!
And hey, why not bring a friend?
And hey again! Why not volunteer?
If you’re interested, or even just have a question or comment, contact us at slutwalkwpg@hotmail.ca
In the meantime, why not check out the fabulous photo album from SlutWalk 2011?
The SlutWalk Toronto site has posted a response to the Open Letter that was sent on September 23, 2011. They have also addressed the need for additional collaboration and inclusivity in what now has become known as a growing “movement.”
Please visit this link for more information.
SlutWalk Winnipeg: October 15, 2011, 2:00 PM
SlutWalk Winnipeg organizers would like to invite everyone to join us on Saturday, October 15, to hear the presenters who have generously offered to share their time, knowledge and talent in support of our challenge to end victim-blaming and the condoning of sexual violence. After the walk from the Burton Cummings Theatre to the Legislative Buildings, our speakers will present on the subjects of sexual violence, victim-blaming, safety, healing, hope, and the transition from victim to survivor. Speakers will include: Gaz Black, Instructor and Padded Assailant from Thebestdefenseprogram.com, Sam Harris an Addictions and Community Service Worker student and more.
On January 24th, 2011, a representative of the Toronto Police gave shocking insight into the pervasiveness of a certain view of sexual assault by stating: “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized[1]”. In response to this comment a global phenomenon was born with the first SlutWalk occurring on Sunday, April 3, 2011 in Toronto.
This now-global movement has generated innumerable responses from journalists and academics as they examine the many facets this protest has introduced. Each city has its own agenda, some wishing to reclaim the word “slut,” others to address the issue of “slut-shaming” and still others to fight against sexual stereotypes, amongst many other similar issues. All walks have one thing in common: we are fighting to combat the still prevalent practice of victim-blaming in today’s society.
SlutWalk Winnipeg is working to educate and empower everyone. This is not simply an issue of violence against women; we are all casualties when victim-blaming occurs. No one asks to be raped – regardless of profession, attire or behavior – rape happens when a rapist is present. Together we will peacefully demonstrate our denunciation of the victim-blaming and rape culture in which we currently live and endeavour to evolve into a culture of support and awareness.
The Winnipeg event will occur on Saturday, October 15th, 2011 beginning at the Burton Cummings Theatre (364 Smith Street) at 2:00 pm. The group will march together to the Legislative Building (450 Broadway) at which point we will feature our line-up of speakers and performers.
SlutWalk Winnipeg organizers encourage everyone to “like” the Facebook page, join the ongoing discussions, spread the word, and ultimately participate in the walk itself. More information on event activities, speakers and further scheduling details will be updated on the Facebook page as they are confirmed. For any questions, or if you would like to volunteer, contact: slutwalkwpg@hotmail.com.
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SlutWalkWinnipeg
SlutWalk Website: http://slutwalkwinnipeg.wordpress.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/SlutWalkWpg
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MEDIA CONTACT
E: slutwalkwpg@hotmail.ca
[1] From the SlutWalk Toronto site: http://www.slutwalktoronto.com/about/why
Have you seen our super fabulous event poster? Want to assist with some of our printing costs? Wanna post them up all over Manitoba to help us spread the word?
We would love to hear from you! (slutwalkwpg@hotmail.ca)
And! Did you see our fantastic new event page on facebook for the Walk? RSVP and let us know you’re coming!
“SlutWalk” Movement Hits Winnipeg October 15, 2011
On January 24th, 2011, a representative of the Toronto Police gave shocking insight into the pervasiveness of a certain view of sexual assault by stating: “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized[1]”. In response to this comment a global phenomenon was born. The first SlutWalk occurred on Sunday, April 3, 2011 in Toronto and quickly went “viral” with walks occurring across North America and in countries around the globe such as Australia, Denmark, Finland, New Delhi, Argentina and Morocco amongst many, many others.
Here in Manitoba, a small group of fellow Winnipeggers and a couple out-of-towners have joined the ranks of organizers around the world to coordinate our own local SlutWalk!
A mere month after the comments by Constable Sanguinetti, let us not forget Winnipeg’s own Queen’s Bench Justice Robert Dewar’s comments in a rape case he presided over. “Sex was in the air,” he said, noting the victim was wearing a tube top and no bra, high heels and plenty of makeup. The judge’s comments sparked a protest rally outside the Manitoba Law Courts building, with a group of about 100 people gathering to demand Dewar’s resignation. This case and countless others like it have motivated thousands of people worldwide to send out a call for action to all individuals willing to challenge the current culture, which has allowed itself to become complicit in the continuation of victim blaming, sex shaming and ultimately condoning sexual violence.
The institutions sworn to protect us “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.”[2]
The Winnipeg event will occur on Saturday, October 15th, 2011 beginning at the Burton Cummings Theatre (364 Smith Street) at 2:00 pm. The group will march the 1.5 kms together to the Legislative Building (450 Broadway) at which point we will have speakers on the subject of sexual violence. Together we will peacefully demonstrate our intolerance of the victim-blaming culture in which we currently live. Together we will move away from intolerance and onto awareness.
SlutWalk Winnipeg organizers encourage everyone to like the Facebook page, join the ongoing discussions, spread the word, and ultimately participate in the walk itself. More information on event activities, speakers and further scheduling details will be updated on the Facebook page as they are confirmed. For any questions, or if you would like to volunteer, contact: slutwalkwpg@hotmail.com.
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Slutwalk-Winnipeg/264096960267534?sk=info
SlutWalk Website:
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MEDIA CONTACT
E: slutwalkwpg@hotmail.ca
Welcome to the SlutWalk Winnipeg site. This site is where we’ll post all information about the event as it unfolds.
What are we?
Slutwalk Winnipeg is an awareness march and peaceful protest with the intent to challenge the current culture which places blame on sexual assault victims rather than offering support, and forcing the rapists to take responsibility for their actions.
The event will occur on October 15th, 2011 at 2pm beginning at the Burton Cummings Theatre when we will all march to the Legislative Building and offer speakers and opportunities for discussion on the many perspectives on this important issue.
Why are we doing this?
*The institutions sworn to protect us ‘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.
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. This has become a global movement, with Satellites happening all over the world.’
Why “Slut”Walk?
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 the way victims of sexual assault are treated and rape myths perpetuated by the institution sworn to protect. 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. Not only as women, but 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.
*NOTE: Most of the above comes from the Toronto Slutwalk official website with slight changes to apply to Winnipeg
What can YOU do? Join us in our mission to spread the word that those who experience sexual assault are not the ones at fault, without exception.
Where can you find us?
Email: slutwalkwpg@hotmail.ca
Facebook: SlutWalk Winnipeg
Twitter: SlutWalkWpg
