The sun beats down relentlessly on Marienplatz, the heat is almost unbearable. Some upper bodies are clad only in a bra, thongs can be seen under sheer tulle skirts, taped nipples over short shorts. On cooler days than this, it would be clearer that this is not a celebration of mid-summer wardrobes. Scanty clothing is a political protest here. Against those who think they can be sexually assaultive if the other person shows a lot of skin. That’s what the tenth Munich Slutwalk in the heart of the city is all about.
“Schlampe”, in English “slut”, is what many have stuck to their tops, trousers or thighs. The term alludes to the statement by a Canadian police officer who caused outrage around the world: “Women shouldn’t dress like sluts if they don’t want to be raped.” Since then, the Slutwalk has been a demonstration against sexism. “In Munich it has stood for sexual self-determination, equality and the recognition of sexual diversity since 2011,” say the organizers. The rainbow flags flutter on Saturday from the loudspeaker truck and from upper arms.
Around 100 people gather at the start at Marienplatz in order to loop from here over Gärtnerplatz and back again until the evening. In between stops for speeches and testimonials from participants. Dunja Robin from Ingolstadt is there. The queer woman in a wheelchair heads the office of the network of women and girls with disabilities. Sexual self-determination is also her topic. “I wish for a society that strengthens us instead of limiting us,” she says.
“They wanted to correct me,” says a young person on Marienplatz.
(Photo: Stephan Rumpf)
“I was raised Catholic and male,” says a young man with Polish roots and a pink, transparent cape over white panties. He comes from Altötting. “The fact that I was me was insufficient, sick, perverse because of this catholic male expectation. They wanted to correct me.” The first posters go up: “Stop victim blaming” is on many, but also: “Consensus is sexy”.
This year, as Mika and Jule explain at the beginning, it’s not just about the others. “Face your inner sexist” is the motto for 2023 in Munich. “We want to work on ourselves, hold the mirror up to ourselves and invite others to do the same.” Everyone standing there on the glowing Marienplatz is shaped by growing up in a “sexist and misogynistic world”. Holding the mirror up to yourself is sometimes painful, but necessary. Applause from the congregation crowding under everything that casts the smallest shadow in front of the town hall.
“Don’t forget to drink, take care of yourselves,” the organizers warn, and don’t just mean the weather. An awareness team accompanies the train in case of hostilities. To be on the safe side, everyone should make a note of the help number: 0176/501 692 64.