The success of Toronto’s Slutwalk has spawned similar protests across North America. I’m happy to say Vancouver is home to one of these off-shoots. I’m unhappy to say that a lot of people are still missing the point.

There was recently an article in 24 Hours claiming the purpose of Slutwalk Vancouver was to dress provocatively in protest of the original comments made by the Toronto police officer. I’ve also heard lots of joking about the walk itself.

Let’s get something straight, Vancouver. The appropriate wear for Slutwalk is whatever the hell you feel like wearing that day.

The point is that it doesn’t matter what you’re wearing; you’re vulnerable to getting harassed regardless.

Case in point: Burrard at Davie, a couple years ago. I was wearing about three layers and a jacket and standing at the bus stop. Needless to say it was not my sexiest moment. In fact, I was relatively shapeless. Yet some idiots in a van still felt it was appropriate to pull right up beside me and harass me the entire time the light was red.

In fact, I’ve been harassed in just about every piece of my wardrobe. Whether it’s a business casual pencil skirt, jeans, a floral dress, or yes, even a spandex mini.

So I’m going to go ahead and make a bold, totally-never-suggested-by-anyone-else claim. It’s not my clothes that harass me. It’s assholes.

I know there are a lot of these types of articles floating around, and I’m sorry to have to repeat one. Not because my story is any less valid, but because there are still people who just don’t get it.

I’m not sure what I’m going to wear to Slutwalk, but I can guarantee two things: 1) It will be an example of something I wear typically; 2) It is not an invitation.

Slutwalk Vancouver happens May 15th.

~Meghan Roberts