trying

[anotheranon]

I often wish I got downtown more often, but it's been a hassle of late.

Today's plan was to join the local SlutWalk (not as racy as it sounds - it's protesting against sexual violence) and hear the speakers until we got tired/hot. Due to delays on Metro, poor directions at the website, and thwarted attempts to top off fare cards on machines that were undergoing maintenance, we almost missed it. By sheer good luck we emerged from underground just in time to meet the march heading towards us.

It was a short walk and once we found a place to sit by the stage I was able to connect with M. and ladyaelfwynn, who I had tried to meet beforehand but it just kinda didn't happen. I'm glad this didn't turn into another of my poor organizational/herding cats fiascos!

Lamentably I didn't get to see much speaking - it started pouring with the first speaker so D. and I made a mad dash for the nearest Metro stop. Even with umbrellas, we were soaked. On the plus side, we were not overheated :P

So the transit was a pain in the ass, but it was good to stand and be counted (because WHY ARE WE STILL HAVING THIS CONVERSATION??) and see my friends. On the up side, the last time I went to a protest I got a cold that turned into a several-month sinus infection, so a fallout of wet socks just isn't as bad.

Comments

[ladyaelfwynn.livejournal.com]

It was good to see you and to finally meet D.

When they were first planning this I did think a bit about going but pretty much came down on the side that marching to prevent rape was a good thing even if I'm not all that keen on trying to reclaim the term "slut".

rainn.org has good stats. My favorites are the ones on how much things have improved over the last 20 or so years. All the education on what rape/sexual assault is has really helped and noticeably fewer people are being raped each year. The conviction rape is still crap but at least there are fewer rapists and victims.

Take care!

[anotheranon.livejournal.com]

I admit the use of "slut" gave me pause as I thought it might attract harassment, but decided that there was safety in numbers. Happily I didn't see any hecklers. I'm not sure "slut" will ever be reclaimed, but I'd like to see less of a stigma for women who are openly sexual - it's not a bad thing and definitely not something that makes someone "worthy" of assault.

Rainn.org has good stats, but depressing stats :( Sadly I limit my viewing of such sites because it makes me feel like I'm beating my head against a brick wall.