Make a Change NOW
Photo by @indy.dls
This has become a huge issue in the local scene recently and we seriously need to make a change. If you don’t already know some people have spoken up and shared their stories. It hurts and angers me that these things happen to innocent people; please I urge you to help girls/guys who may seem in danger always take care of your friends never leave them alone.
Someone has shared a story, they were given a drink and it made them way too intoxicating that they weren’t aware what was happening. They were underaged at the time and the person that harmed them was over 20 years old. It took them over three years, with the help of friends, to finally come out and share the story and to get people to realize how bad of a person the rapist was. I obviously can’t say their name because I don’t want to give them unnecessary attention but I’m sure you all know who he is. Please if anything happened to you talk to someone about it, you aren’t alone you don’t have to suffer alone.
I have spoken to people to see what they think about this issue and here is what they said.
“There’s too many incidents happening and they’re left unnoticed. Just because they’re in a band or are “cool” doesn’t make them any better of a person. They still hurt people” said Courtney (@gudthrift).
“We live out in the Antelope Valley, Lancaster and Palmdale, our music community is small enough where everyone knows everyone. Our band has from day one supported anyone who has come forward with allegations, and we actively choose to not work nor support nor book abusers of any kind. With such a small community, word of mouth runs heavy and gossip flows with misinformation and threatening remarks. We’re a band, and don’t consider ourselves experts on what exactly to do in every situation...but we never have felt the need to give up on our friends or our moral stance. We handle everything on our plate to make our shows and music scenes safer for everyone. We’ve been handing out these awareness bracelets at our shows and have begun what we hope are several benefit shows for RAINN and hopefully local organizations in the future ” said the band XOM (@xom_band).
They have bracelets that say “Don’t grope. Report Sexual Harassment” these are really dope go check out there instagram and cop one ! They’re free with every order.
“I think the host of the party is somewhat responsible for the people participating in there show, when they see men groping girls without consent the host should kick them out and when the host sees someone really drunk or high they should ask them who’s their ride home and help escort that person to the car when their ride is there and other people in the show need to help defend anyone that is getting sexually harassed everyone in the scene needs to put their part in protecting one another” says Trisha (@trishurrs).
“Sexual harassment is something no girl or guy should go through because it's something most people remember very vividly. Most people keep it to themselves also because they’re afraid of what would happen if they were to speak up. A reminder that this could happen to anyone no matter what gender/sexuality.” says Richard (@shallow_boii).
"Fuckin sux, I’ve seen people get groped, EVEN AT MY OWN DAMN SHOWSSSSS got in a fight with the dude over it. its bull shit and I’m sorry to everyone that’s ever happened to /.\” says Alex (@mophhead).
Whenever you go to a show please be aware of your surroundings, don’t take anything from anyone and never leave your friends. This sucks because you go to shows to have fun and enjoy some great music with friends but instead your cautious of your surroundings so nothing bad can happen. If someone does grope you please BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF THEM. Host make sure you kick out any people doing harm, don’t let them ruin the fun of others. Also STOP supporting artist that rape/sexual harass people. Once the story is out and there’s proof that those things are true, we as a community need to stop supporting them, then and there. Don’t continue to support them just cause they’re “cool” or make “good” music.
Another thing I’d like to mention if you are a victim and need someone to speak with, you can always message me on Instagram (@lloronaaa), here are more resources to reach out too
- suicide hotline 1-800-273-8255
- national sexual hotline 1-800-656-4673
I’m always available. FUCK PEDOPHILES, FUCK RAPIST, FUCK PEOPLE WHO SEXUALLY HARASS OTHERS. Let’s start making a difference.
Written by: Erica Paz (@lloronaaa)
Edits: Emely (emelybro)