It seems like every few weeks, more and more people defy the odds and have the courage to share that they too have experienced sexual assault or harassment. Not long ago, regularly hearing about sexual assault and harassment allegations was NOT routine. It just wasn’t. (And not because abuse wasn’t happening.) Tarana Burke and the #MeToo movement changed things.
6 years ago today, we watched social media and the news swell with people saying “Me too.” It was both a devastating and transformative cultural moment. It opened dialogue and changed the discourse around this type of victimization.
Since then, the momentum has continued. As hard as it is to be constantly reminded that the prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence is far larger than many of us can even fathom, the fact that we are now regularly talking about it is progress. This new “normal” should be recognized and honored as such.
But we still have a long way to go — especially for more marginalized groups…
- Men and boys, we know that many of you are hurting too. The scale of male victimization is still largely unknown because it’s still so stigmatized and so many still don’t feel safe coming forward. As a society, we need to create a culture that supports men and boys to that they can share what has happened to them and get help and support.
- LGBTQ individuals, you are not invisible, and we know that you are often targeted simply because of who you are. Yet as a society we often dismiss that this is happening, or engage in victim-blaming. Your stories matter, and no one should ever brush them off.
- People with disabilities — seen and unseen — are disproportionately victimized, and often have their victimization overlooked. You deserve visibility, unwavering support, and protection.
Whether or not you are from a marginalized community, whether or not the perpetrator who hurt you is “famous” – we all have a right to support and justice.
Our “sympathy” has to extend further.
For an organization that values defiant hope, we believe that, through collective action, a generation from now, the reports of sexual violence and harassment can dissipate. Not because people don’t talk about it anymore, but because people know they can no longer get away with it.
We have to keep leaning in. We have to keep listening to survivors and amplifying their voices. We have to keep being a safe person for those who seek our support. We cannot accept the silence and complacency that used to be. Those who exploit should not be able to run from the light of accountability. We’re building a better future each day. Thank you for being a part of it.
