Take Back the Night, an internationally recognized rally and protest to raise awareness of sexual violence, comes to the Colorado State campus on April 28. Designed to create an atmosphere of empowerment, the annual event will start with a speak-out at 6:30 p.m. in the Sutherland Sculpture Garden at the Lory Student Center and ends with a march to Old Town for a keynote address on the issues of sexual assault.
“In the speak-out, we cultivate a safe environment for victims and survivors to share their experience and emotions in regards to their previous sexual assault,” explained Sasha Nicole Stauffer, president of the CSU Campus Feminist Alliance, which sponsors Take Back the Night. “This is a very moving and emotional part of the event, which takes much strength and bravery from all involved.”
Both the speak-out and the Take Back the Night march are free and open to the public. No photography is allowed at the speak-out.
More events throughout the month
There are a number of on-campus events marking Sexual Assault Awareness Month leading up to Take Back the Night. On Thursday, April 21, 6:30-9 p.m., the annual CTMO (Consent Turns Me On) Carnival, co-sponsored by the Women and Gender Advocacy Center and Residence Life, helps build skills to ensure both partners consent to sex with fun games, prizes, snacks, t-shirts and the CTMO photo booth at the Durrell Center.
“The Consent Turns Me On campaign focuses on healthy relationships, sex positivity, and emphasizes asking for and receiving consent as a primary method to prevent sexual assault,” said Women and Gender Advocacy Center Director Monica Rivera. “We believe that the process of getting consent from potential partners to engage in sexual activities doesn’t have to be as awkward as it is sometimes made out to be. We promise the sex will be better if the person you’re with actually wants to be having sex with you, too!”
This year’s SAAM keynote speaker is YouTube sensation Laci Green, who brings her Sex+ show to the LSC North Ballroom Friday, April 22, 6-7:30 p.m. Sex+ seeks to start a fresh conversation about sexuality that is fun and educational.
All events are free and open to the public.
