SlutWalk Denver 2012

SlutWalk began as a demonstration against blaming and shaming the victims of sexual violence that began in Toronto, Canada. On April 3, 2011, 4000 people took to the streets of Toronto to demand accountability from the Toronto Police and their communities after officer Michael Sanguinetti told a group of students at York University, “I’m told I’m not supposed to say this, but women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.” Officer Sanguinetti’s comment lit the spark of what turned into a global movement of protest around the world to combat victim-blaming, including Canada, the US, the UK Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, South Africa, India, Singapore, Korea, Isreal, Nepal, Hong Kong, Romania and many others going by ‘SlutWalk’ and other locally-chosen names.

SlutWalk Denver aims to to provide a safe space for survivors and allies to come together to voice their collective anger, share stories, build a community, and become empowered to continue to change the conversation around sexual assault locally and globally. We have chosen to stay named SlutWalk in solidarity with the rest of the movement and anyone who has been blamed unfairly for being assaulted. Participants do not have to consider themselves sluts to attend; allies and supporters are just as important.

Our SlutWalk is not a gender specific event, as sexual assault can (and does) happen to anyone. Women, Men, Tran-Women, Trans-Men, Gender-fluid, Genderqueer, non-identified and people of any gender identity are welcome and encouraged to participate.

SlutWalk Denver also understands that the term ‘slut’ has historically different meanings for different cultures and populations. Our walk is also not a race-specific event and people of color are also encouraged to participate.

If, in any circumstances, SlutWalk Denver is being un-inclusive, please let us know. Rape and sexual assault can happen to anyone of any gender association or any race; we need to support each other.