Slut pride hits Windsor

By Maciejka Gorzelnik

For years women worldwide have feared being called a “slut” but recently many have been wearing that badge with pride.

Windsor’s second Slutwalk was held Sept. 22. A group of about 50 men and women marched through downtown to raise awareness for their cause. Organizers Mag Wildwood and Jacqueline St. Pierre said the Slutwalk’s main goal is to initiate change.

“A woman’s sexual history or perceived sexual history should not be used as evidence against them when persecuting rapists,” said Wildwood. “A secondary goal is to stop slut shaming which is shaming women about their sexuality.”

While giving a speech at York University in January 2011, Toronto Police Const. Michael Sanguinetti said “Women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.” A few months later the Slutwalk was born.

With chants like “My dress is not a yes” and “No means no,” it would seem the message was clear and concise. But the terminology and subject matter are not without controversy. First year travel and tourism student and Slutwalk supporter, Natalie Diamante, says the term slut should be embraced and double standards be done away with.

“People aren’t comfortable calling themselves a slut or really accepting the slut culture,” says Diamante. “They see being a slut as a negative thing whereas we’re trying to show people there’s nothing wrong with being a slut and there’s nothing wrong with promiscuity.”

The term slut pertains to a sexually promiscuous woman and dates back approximately 600 years. Local graphic designer Justin Forsyth said there is a lot of history to compete with to change this meaning and suggests a different approach.

“A parade of strong, well-dressed, conservative and powerful women calling themselves sluts would be a feat heard loud and clear,” said Forsyth. “That would be taking actual steps to re-appropriate the word properly by giving it a more positive inflection.”

Forsyth said as politically incorrect as Sanguinetti’s remarks might appear they do hold some truth and value. He said just as someone who leaves valuables in their car is not asking to have their car broken into, a scantily clad woman is not asking to get sexually assaulted. To avoid someone doing something bad to you or your property, Forsyth said precautions should be taken.

The Sultwalk is still a fairly new concept being the second time it has been held. St. Pierre said the message is clear to some but not to others. As the cause grows, it will also evolve but the bottom line will remain the same

“It’s really quite simple,” said St. Pierre. “If someone doesn’t want to be touched, don’t touch them.”

 

CUTLINE:

A group of protestors led by Jacqueline St. Pierre marches down Wyandotte Street East on Sept. 22 in support of Windsor’s second annual Slutwalk. (Photo by Maciejka Gorzelnik)