SLUTWALK

SlutWalk Toronto began as a small idea in 2011 to fight back against victim-blaming and slut-shaming around sexual violence. We were galvanized into action and took our name from a Toronto Police officer who referred to women and survivors of sexual assault as "sluts" and suggested women 'dressing like sluts' were inviting their own victimization.

The prevalence of this attitude in our culture at large drew many to this cause to end blaming victims of sexual violence, and judging peoples' worth by their bodies and what they do with them. In the last year, this fight has spread to over 200 cities around the world, where independent organizers have organized locally-driven SlutWalks and SlutWalk-inspired events. SlutWalk started, and is still going, because we and so many others around the world have had enough.

We demand our bodies and all bodies be respected. Our worth as human beings is not determined by our sexuality.

No matter what I wear
No matter what I look like
No matter what my gender expression is
No matter how much, how little or what kind of sex I have

No matter what I've done before
No matter where I come from
No matter how my body has been 'devalued' by others
No matter what I've been called

MY BODY IS NOT AN INSULT.

We invite you to join us on Friday May 25, 2012 as we take up space and fight for our right to live free of violence, victim-blaming and sex-shaming. We invite people of all gender expressions and orientations, all walks of life, levels of employment and education, all races, ages, abilities, and backgrounds, from all points of this city and elsewhere to come as you are, dressed as you feel comfortable.

UPDATE and MORE INFO

Due to availability of public space in Toronto, we are having a slight shift in time and date. Instead of the originally planned Saturday afternoon on May 26, come out and meet us on Friday May 25, early evening. We'll be meeting at 5pm at Nathan Phillips Square. The rally will start walking at 5:30 sharp up University Ave. to Queen's Park. Speakers will be at Queen's Park between 6:30 and 7pm, finishing up before 8 p.m.Participants are welcome to meet at Queen's Park and not Nathan Phillips Square if this is a more accessible option for anyone present. Volunteer marshals will be at Queen's Park, south of the legislative building for this option.

We look forward to seeing you all there, and will have more details about speakers and route specifics to share as they become available.

Our opinion obout the text of Kit controversy (group: Mathues, Larissa, Luis Fernando, Nathália).

Brazil gay rights progress highlights deep divisions

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Gay rights campaigners say homophobia is a serious problem across Brazil

Continue reading the main story

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Upwards of a million people are expected to party under the rainbow flag in Brazil's biggest city, Sao Paulo, on Sunday in the 15th Gay Pride March.

Participants have a lot to celebrate, including a ruling in May by the Supreme Court that recognised the rights of same-sex couples regarding their rights to visit each other in hospital and jointly own property in the same way married couples do.

But despite the partying set to take place in Brazil's cosmopolitan metropolis, the march has not been without controversy.

Leaflets given out by City Hall advised participants to avoid "scandalous" clothes - a move criticised by the march's organisers who said they were not consulted.

Kit controversy

Activists can point to some changes in recent months.

As well as the court ruling granting more rights for same-sex couples, an awareness campaign in Rio called "Rio Sem Homofobia" (Rio without homophobia), was launched by city authorities in May.

"Things have got a bit better, with gays and lesbians more visible than before, and some changes in the law. But change needs to start in schools, training teachers as well as children," says Jandira Queiroz of Rio's Sexual Policy Watch.

President Dilma Rousseff decided the anti-homophobia kits were not appropriate

"This is a very conservative country, and still a very macho society... If you go to the countryside, you will find even more machismo. It is common to hear people say it is better your son was dead than gay."

In a sign of sensitivity over the issue, President Dilma Rousseff decided not to go ahead with planned "anti-homophobia kits", sex education films supposed to combat homophobia.

She said the material did not give an objective view of homosexuality.

At the time, President Rousseff said the government would defend education and the fight against homophobia.

"However, the government cannot allow any group to make propaganda relating to sexual orientation. We cannot interfere in people's private lives," she said.

Ms Rousseff's decision came after Church groups and their allies in Congress protested and threatened to block any forthcoming legislation unless the education packs were pulled.

Those opposed to same-sex civil unions insist their stance is not homophobic

Federal deputy Anthony Garotinho said that the films focused on sexual orientation without tackling prejudice.

"Public money should be used to to combat homophobia and not stimulate sexual options," said Mr Garotinho, one of the leaders of the evangelical bloc in Congress.

State representative and evangelical singer Mara Lima, a vocal opponent of the kits, commented after the decision: "This is a victory for the family."

The popular media also reflects the divisions of opinion in Brazil.

Former international footballer Edmundo caused a stir when he told O Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper, in response to speculation that his son may be gay: "No-one wants to have a homosexual son."

He later explained that this was because of the prejudice they could suffer.

While transsexual and homosexual contestants have appeared on Big Brother, television debates about homophobia have also featured far-right commentator and Congressman Jair Bolsonaro, who has compared gay marriage to legalising paedophilia.

With "Straight Pride" trending this past week on Twitter in Brazil, Sunday's partygoers have as much to mull over as to celebrate.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-13890258