March to End Rape Culture to gather in Paine Plaza

Speakers, poets, musicians create safe space for survivors and allies

The 2018 March to End Rape Culture will take place Saturday, Sept. 29.
Courtesy March to End Rape Culture/for PhillyVoice

This year's March to End Rape Culture, formerly known as Slutwalk, will take place in Philadelphia Saturday, Oct. 3. The march will gather survivors, allies and community organizations in an effort to spread awareness of both rape culture and the resources available to its survivors. 

The march will leave from and return to Thomas Paine Plaza, across from Love Park. Participants are asked to bring posters with positive and educational messages; some marchers will gather at Paine Plaza to create their posters beforehand, so others are welcome to join and bring their materials. The safe space will be inclusive of genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages and races. 

After the approximately 2.3-mile walk, nine presenters and speakers will address the marchers. Representatives of the city of Philadelphia, the Positive Women's Network, the Trans* Wellness Project, Women's Law Project and Philadelphia Coalition for Racial Economic And Legal Justice will speak. Dr. Timaree Schmit and poets Zahre Belle, Destine Cubler, Shevaun Brannigan and Amanda Spitfire will also speak.

DJ Magglezzz of Factory Girls, Women's Revolutionary Vegime, The Pretty Greens and Moor Mother Goddess will all perform, too. During the event, local organizations will have tables set up around the plaza with additional resource information, merchandise for purchase and therapy support. 


March to End Rape Culture

Saturday, Oct. 3
11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Free admission
Thomas Paine Plaza
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.