There has been a good deal of media coverage of the SlutWalks (which are all individually organized) that focuses on the reclamation of the word ‘slut’ as a central goal of the movement. It is not one of SlutWalk Chicago’s central goals. Though we recognize that for some people self-identifying as a ‘slut’ can be a positive and transformative experience, the ability to choose how one relates to that word is often a privilege granted by experience and background. We are aware that it is most commonly used as a powerfully negative slur and are aware of the implications that negativity has on how the word can be used, particularly for women of color, transpersons and other marginalized peoples.
To that end, we stand with people who wish to self-identify as ‘sluts’ just as we stand with people who do not wish to or cannot engage with that word in a positive manner, and we welcome all of those perspectives in participants at our event. We believe that the use of the word in our event title connects us with the pioneering work done by the Toronto organizers, but we also use it in our event title to promote dialogue about the connection between sexual double standards, shame and the many ways survivors are blamed for their own assaults by systemic forces and individuals following an assault. Our central goal is to change our culture to one that does not explain away rape and one that does not seek to regulate the bodies and consensual behavioral choices of all peoples.
To that end, we stand with people who wish to self-identify as ‘sluts’ just as we stand with people who do not wish to or cannot engage with that word in a positive manner, and we welcome all of those perspectives in participants at our event. We believe that the use of the word in our event title connects us with the pioneering work done by the Toronto organizers, but we also use it in our event title to promote dialogue about the connection between sexual double standards, shame and the many ways survivors are blamed for their own assaults by systemic forces and individuals following an assault. Our central goal is to change our culture to one that does not explain away rape and one that does not seek to regulate the bodies and consensual behavioral choices of all peoples.
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