In January 2011, a Toronto police constable was giving a presentation on personal safety at York University when he said something he couldn’t take back: “I’ve been told I’m not supposed to say this — however, women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.”
This spur-of-the-moment comment sparked a revolution known around the world as SlutWalk. What started as a march protesting victim-blaming and sexism has grown into a celebration of bodily autonomy, sexual agency, intersectionality and reproductive rights.
The University of Arizona’s intersectional feminist student group, Feminists Organized to Resist, Create and Empower, continues the tradition annually. This year’s SlutWalk will be from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8, on the UA Mall.
“The Slutwalk happens every year, though with each new pair of co-directors it will look a little different because they get to instill their own perspective on what a SlutWalk entails,” said Coordinator of Feminist Engagement for the UA’s Women and Gender Resource Center, Audrie Ford.
This year’s co-directors, Nousha Aldhefery and Grace Harrington, are putting intersectionality and community at the forefront of the event.
“We want it to be a creative, intentional space that celebrates queer and BIPOC people,” said Aldhefery. “Violence and sexual violence affects all genders, LGBTQ+ communities, sex workers, folks with disabilities and people of color.”
SlutWalk this year will not be an actual walk, as Aldhefery and Harrington wanted it to be accessible for all. Instead it will be something like a block party — there will be SlutWalk tote bags and other merchandise given out on a first-come, first-served basis; booths from community groups and other UA clubs, such as Tucson Bail Fund, Survivor Advocacy, UA Planned Parenthood Generation Action and El Rio’s Reproductive Health Action Plan will be on hand.
There will also be an open mic opportunity for those willing to speak or perform (though marginalized voices will be elevated).
The theme of this year’s SlutWalk is slumber party, so attendees are encouraged to come dressed in pajamas, lingerie or whatever they’re most comfortable in, as well as to bring their own pillows and blankets.
You can learn more about SlutWalk and sign up for the open mic on FORCE’s Instagram page, @force_ua.
El Inde Arizona is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism
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