Threats of sexual violence may be against the law, even when framed as a “joke.” Imagine if the “joke” was about someone you care about.
[three_col][button id=”” style=”” color=”red” type=”large” size=”large” href=”/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Sexually-Violent-Humour-DTL-ATV-Postcard.pdf” align=”none” target=”_blank”]Download this postcard[/button]
[button id=”” style=”” color=”red” type=”large” size=”large” href=”/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/DTL-ATV-Web-Posters-A-Classmate-Tells-You.pdf” align=”none” target=”_blank”]Download this poster[/button][/three_col]
The Draw-the-Line – Against Transphobic Violence postcards provide accessible, scenario-based approaches to discussions around preventing and intervening in instances of transphobic and sexual violence, and the roles that we can all play as bystanders. The full text of the card is written below.
—
Sexually Violent Humour
A classmate tells you the new trans girl in school is “just asking for it.” Do you ignore it?
Threats of sexual violence may be against the law, even when framed as a “joke.” Imagine if the “joke” was about someone you care about.
WHY DRAW THE LINE
Ignoring statements like these encourages harmful behaviours and violence against trans women. The Ontario Human Rights Code includes gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation as prohibited grounds for discrimination.
WHEN TO DRAW THE LINE
Whenever we witness someone “joking” about sexual violence we have an opportunity to call it out as unacceptable.
HOW TO DRAW THE LINE
Call it out: Tell your classmate that the joke is not funny.
Use your body language: Even if you’re not sure what to say, show your feelings of displeasure or disbelief by making a face, shaking your head or moving away.
Report it: Tell someone you trust – a teacher, a principal, a parent/caregiver or elder.
IT HAPPENED TO ME
If you’ve experienced sexual threats, reach out for help. Visit draw-the-line.ca.
Be an ally to trans women by challenging transphobia and other forms of violence.
Visit dtl.egale.ca.
Sexual violence is everyone’s problem. Break the silence. Speak out against it. Spread the word.
Find out more at draw-the-line.ca.
[three_col][button id=”” style=”” color=”red” type=”large” size=”large” href=”http://dtl.egale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Sexually-Violent-Humour-DTL-ATV-Postcard.pdf” align=”none” target=”_blank”]Download this postcard[/button]
[button id=”” style=”” color=”red” type=”large” size=”large” href=”http://dtl.egale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/DTL-ATV-Web-Posters-A-Classmate-Tells-You.pdf” align=”none” target=”_blank”]Download this poster[/button][/three_col]