Slut Walk + Red Umbrella Day

Join us as we Slut Walk from the PEP Office to the Albuquerque Social Club in honor of the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers (aka "Red Umbrella Day"). Read more about Red Umbrella Day here. Read some background on Slut Walk here. We are thrilled to announce plans for our THIRD Albuquerque Red Umbrella Day! Here's the plan for Sunday, December 18th, 5-830pm: Meet at PEP (149 Jackson NE in ABQ) at 5pm. Bring signs for Slut Walk if you wish, or just bring yourself. Walk together to the Albuquerque Social Club (4021 Central NE), which is graciously allowing us to gather for the reading of the names (of sex workers murdered in 2011) and candle-lighting ceremony. After we read the names and light candles, we will open the floor for anyone to speak. We will be taking photographs. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let the event organizers, Brittany or Sera Miles, know prior to Dec 18th. Regarding Slut Walk, we want to note that we are aware of the controversy and varying view points about the name and purpose of Slut Walk. For our purposes, the Slut Walk is inclusive of sex workers and is a supporting pillar of Red Umbrella Day. Have a question? Want to talk with the organizers? Email seramiles@gmail.com.

Rape is About Consent.

Update!  Some progress has been made and the bill is apparently less offensive (though still problematic) after much outrage on the language.  Read more here.

Tell Congress rape has to do with consent, not bruises and broken bones.

A far-reaching anti-choice bill, introduced by Republican Chris Smith and supported by 173 members of the House, includes a provision that could redefine rape in the realm of federal funding for reproductive health care.

Right now, federal dollars can't be used for abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or when the woman's life is in danger. But the Smith bill would narrow that use to "cases of 'forcible' rape but not statutory or coerced rape."

As far too many women know, bruises and broken bones do not define rape - a lack of consent does. Please sign the petition today.

Self Serve is all having pleasurable, healthy sex because you're excited about it.  Read more about consent here.

Feminist Debate on Julian Assange's Sexual Assault Allegations

Watch feminist writers and activists Jaclyn Friedman and Naomi Wolf debate the sexual assault allegations on Julian Assange on a recent Democracy Now.   Their unfinished discussion highlights the confusion and lack of clarity on how to define consent for many.  Friedman rightfully suggests affirmative, continual consent is required for consensual sexual activity.    Check out her book Yes Means Yes! for a sex positive approach to a world without rape.

The political, reactionary context of Assange's situation must make any fair case even more challenging for the two women who've accused him.

Read more from Jaclyn Friedman about the realities of rape and why allegations should never be swept under the rug.