Image = me holding up a sign for the Brisbane Slut Walk that says “It’s not my fault. Just don’t rape.”
I recognise that the Slut Walk concept has many problematic aspects. I recognise that I have privileges (white, middle class, western, cisgendered and being in a hetero relationship) that mean I can’t begin to understand what other people have experienced. I want to learn more, and if people want to speak I will listen.
I have personal reasons for wanting to attend Slut Walk. I’m going as a victim who has never spoken publicly before. This is important to me. It’s also fraught with anxiety. I didn’t come forward in the past on three occasions because I didn’t believe anyone would listen to me or treat me with respect. It’s taken over a decade and it’s still scary and there will probably be repercussions but I’m sick of being trapped in silence.
I’m thinking about writing about Slut Walk on my blog but it’s pretty scary. I will have to talk to my family. I don’t really feel up to that. Bleargh. I hope they will understand that I don’t want to go in to detail, and that I need their love and support not questions.
I want to give voice to victims of rape and sexual abuse who are for AND against the Slut Walk concept. If you would like to contribute something, please let me know - natalie at definatalie dot com.