Empowering, Emotional, and Enraging: The Philly Slut Walk 2016

Yesterday I participated in my first ever March to End Rape Culture, formerly known as the Slut Walk. It is safe place for people of all ages, genders, races, sexualities, and everything in between to come together and do their part to
change the world for the better. I have never felt more comfortable in a large group of people than I did there, everyone was welcoming, accepting, and happy. People were dressed in all different outfits that made them feel good about themselves and it was so empowering to see people comfortable in their own skin. I was lucky to hear stories from many different speakers who were brave enough to get on stage and share their heartbreaking stories of overcoming the tragedy that they have to wake up every day and face. The tragedy of rape, sexual assault, molestation, and more. Rape culture is something we feed into everyday when we stay silent: it's Brock Turner getting three months of jail time, it's women being asked "well, what were you wearing?" or "were you drunk?", it's preaching "don't get raped" instead of "don't rape".  It needs to end. Blame the system, not the victim.

Walking down the streets of Philly chanting with like minded people was a powerful experience, but what was even more powerful was seeing the people on the sidewalk not booing, but cheering us on and clapping. They yelled and honked their horns in support, I didn't see one person without a smile on their face. However, one of the most enraging parts of the day was before we left to march. Everyone was gathered by city hall conversing, taking photos, and making posters-everyone was having a wonderful time. But then a man and a few of his comrades decided to show up with a mega phone, pocket bible, and posters to chant at us about how we are "going to hell" and "ladies if you kept your legs closed you wouldn't get raped" (I shit you not those exact words came out of his mouth). Now, I do not care that his beliefs differ from mine, he has his opinions and I have mine. What I am not okay with is how he showed up to a peaceful event full of happy people gathering for a good cause, to spew his hatred for them and attempt to get a negative reaction to feed his ego. He wanted us to get mad, that is the only reason he came, he knew if we got mad it would justify his opinion of us, that we are "terrible sinners who belong in hell." I am proud to say that we responded to him without insults and negative words, but with chants of "love trumps hate".

You are always going to be surrounded by people like that man, people trying to knock you down and tell you that you are wrong. Ignore them, be whoever you are happy being, say what you feel, and stand up for the things you believe in. I did, and it felt amazing.

If the March to End Rape Culture/Slut Walk sounds like something you'd be interested in, check out there website: http://www.marchtoendrapeculture.com