“My skirt is not an invitation.” “Yes means yes, no means no.” “Real men take no for an answer.” These chants, among many more, were heard coming from the large crowd that assembled Sunday, May 29 for Montreal’s very first SlutWalk.
Stella and Glam Gam Productions teamed up to create SlutWalk Montreal, which was inspired by the march that took place in Toronto in early April. The movement began after a representative from the Toronto police force told a group of York University students that: “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.”
The movement wishes to convey that no woman, or man, should ever be held responsible for experiencing rape or sexual assault based on their choice of clothing and/or sexual freedom. While some may be, and were, turned off by the use of the word “slut” in the event’s name, the march’s goal was essentially to reappropriate the term and turn it into a word that can be re-claimed by women and men who suffer the stigma of marginalization, whether they are sex workers, or simply teenage girls walking down the street. Montreal’s SlutWalk took the movement a step further by marching for sex worker rights, LGBT rights, Aboriginal rights, and spreading the overall message that no human being deserves any form of violence inflicted upon them due to societal marginalization.
Hundreds showed their support for the cause, despite unfavourable weather conditions, and slowly but surely, the sun came out, making way for vibrant posters and creative outfits. Supporters varied from different age groups, to genders, to sexual orientations, and more. McGill’s own SACOMSS (The Sexual Assault Centre of McGill Students’ Society) was also present with a group of supporters.
The movement is said to have spread throughout North America (as far as Brazil), as well as in some parts of England. The march commenced at the Peace Park on Saint Laurent where inspiring speeches ranged from the Burlesque dancer who spoke about her sexual assault going unnoticed due to her choice of profession, to the mother whose wish for her seven year-old daughter is for her to grow up in a world where sexual shaming is not an issue. The march continued through Saint Laurent, all the way to Saint Catherine, and ended at Le Drugstore, where an after party was held.
For more information on the organizers, visit Stella and Glam Gam Productions. For future events, visit SlutWalk Montreal’s event page on Facebook.
Photographer: Elena Abbandonato