Fridley Woman Preps for Second Annual 'Slutwalk'

A Fridley resident is again organizing a "Slutwalk" march in Minneapolis to protest sexual violence and support victims of sexual violence.

The second annual Slutwalk Minneapolis is set for Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, at 4 p.m., with Kimberia Sherva of Fridley a prime mover behind the event.

The 1.8-mile march starts at 4 p.m. from the east end of the Stone Arch Bridge (Sixth Avenue and Main Street SE, Minneapolis). Signmaking begins earlier, at 2 p.m., and opening ceremonies start at 3:30 p.m.

The organization Sherva founded has stayed active since the first Slutwalk Minneapolis in 2011. An example: She will be at a Slutwalk open mic event Wednesday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m., at Minnehaha Free Space in Minneapolis.

The worldwide Slutwalk movement was sparked in April 2011 by a remark from a Toronto police officer tying the risk of rape to women's manner of dress.

In a 2011 interview with Fridley Patch, Sherva talked about using the word "slut" in the name of the event and the organization:

Because slut is such a triggering phrase, such a dirty word to use, why even use it? And that is our point exactly for using it. When you call someone a slut, you’re degrading them, you’re defaming them, you’re blaming them, and you’re shaming them. That needs to stop because it’s none of the victim’s fault. When you call someone that in a rape situation, you’re blaming the victim. When someone gets raped more than once, say in a long-term relationship or a marriage, they already feel enough shame, and calling them a slut because of that, surely isn’t going to help matters.

More:

• Fridley Resident Organizes Slutwalk to Give Rape Survivors a Voice
• Photos: SlutWalk Minneapolis
• Fridley Woman Looking Toward What's Next for SlutWalk Minneapolis
• Fridley Resident and Slutwalk Organizer Addresses Penn State 'Fiasco'