Because some people still think clothes are an excuse for the atrocity that is rape, and that’s ridiculous
I joined The Vagina Monologues in 2016 because I wanted to spend time with my girlfriend, the director of the show that year. I didn’t plan on auditioning (if you ask me, I didn’t audition at all), but I was given very small parts to introduce me to acting.
Rehearsals were a gathering of women who were unapologetically themselves. As participants in the show, their goal was to start a dialogue around sexual and gender-based violence and put a great deal of time and effort into the production. In my opinion, they joined because they had a calling to create a supportive network for those who have been abused. I initially joined because I wanted to act. Now, I have been part of The Vagina Monologues for the past three years, and as every year passes, I feel more and more connected to the actual cause.Although I recognize my privilege as someone who has never been sexually abused, many people in my life have not had that same privilege. With every story I hear, the more I wish I could do.
Luckily, The Vagina Monologues does do something. The show gives all proceeds to organizations in the community that fight sexual and gender-based violence. It’s an opportunity for me to join a cause that deeply cares and actually helps people.
Since joining The Monologues, my partner has introduced me to the annual SlutWalk event. SlutWalk Guelph is “a movement that works to challenge the mindset and stereotypes that surround sexual assault, victim-blaming, and slut-shaming,” according to their Facebook page. The event demands the respect of people’s bodies regardless of what they are wearing — because clothing does not justify rape.
Since V-Day Guelph and SlutWalk Guelph have a similar goal, they often collaborate on the event. Walking through the streets, chanting, and holding signs that challenge slut-shaming is powerful and I wish everyone could experience it. Being surrounded by strong people who are fighting the patriarchy empowers me to stand up for the rights of my friends, family, and even strangers. Everyone deserves to be respected.SlutWalk is meeting at Guelph Market Square this Saturday, April 7 at 1 p.m.
Where’s the group that marches, complaining about idiots? If you don’t understand why men/women do such a thing, then why wear/do something that would provoke them? Society in many Countries struggle with common sense, let alone an issue that could be caused by multiple factors. How about doing some research before marching around, acting all opinionated.
Hello, commentator. Thank you for your comment! The good thing about marching is that it’s an opportunity for you to bring a physical response to your emotional reaction. For example, if you want to march to “complain about idiots” because you are having an emotional reaction to my article, then you can physically react by way of protesting. The great thing about this country is that the law protects your right to protest. You’re correct that many factor are the root of issues — intersectionality is important in every regard. One of the things that I have learned from research and life experience is that humans are stronger than compulsions. People can be provoked, but they can also rise above that to do the right thing.
Thanks again for your comment. I hope you have a good day.