“My vagina, my rules,” was the provocative chant on Tuesday of more than 30 Fort Lewis College students marching through campus to bring awareness to the objectification of women and the hope to be part of a movement to end sexism.
The event, “Slut and Hoe Walk and Roll,” was organized by FLC student Jenn Grdina as part of a final project for a sociology class that encourages civic engagement. Grdina said she wanted to raise awareness around several female issues through a “slut walk.”
“Initially, it was a silly idea, but the more I got into it, the more I saw how big the issue is,” she said. “I wanted to bring awareness to the word ‘slut.’ Just because you dress a certain way doesn’t mean you want to be cat-called at.”
Grdina said she is discouraged by the stream of conversation that purports women who dress scantily are “asking to be raped,” and she hoped by inviting fellow classmates out to the campus grounds that that dialogue can change.
“Women usually dress ‘scandalous’ at night, and these situations usually involve drinking, also at night,” she said. “So it’s nice to bring this issue out into the light.”
Marching around campus on a bright and unusually warm afternoon Tuesday, several women purposely wore scant clothing, carrying signs and shouting several chants, including “No means no,” and “My vagina, my rules.”
“I’m out here to support a good cause,” Jordan Baird said. “Consent is everything. In this day and age, a lot of people feel they cant say no. But I put whatever looks good on me. I dress for my own body, not for anyone else.”
Most of the students said rape and objectification are not as big an issue on FLC’s campus as in other universities, and the march was an opportunity to show support.
“The problem is absolutely everywhere,” freshman Kris Walsh said. “Less so here, where there’s a more tolerant, liberal campus. But we’re protesting rape culture. Even if I wear a bra and hooker boots, I’m not asking to get raped.”
On Nov. 27, The Durango Herald reported that from Aug. 30 through Nov 19, FLC received three reports of rape involving students as victims. While that number is considered “low” when compared to the national average, officials at the school say any case is too many, and they have undertaken several initiatives to combat sexual violence.
Anthony Nocella, a sociology professor who teaches Grdina’s class, said the project was intended to inspire students to create change for social justice, and focus on an issue about slut shaming and objectification.
“It needs to end,” Nocella said. “And it’s not just about theory at this school. It’s about engaging in positive social change.”
jromeo@durangoherald.com