#MeToo, Baltimore: We are in solidarity with survivors
Collective Action for Safe Spaces joins in solidarity with and pledges our support to survivors sharing their lived experiences in Baltimore.
Ever since an anonymous group of Black women came forward with troubling stories about a grassroots leader in their city, they have been retaliated against in ways that are dehumanizing, threatening, antagonizing, and daunting. They’ve been told that they must present evidence to the public and that the matter will be dealt with through legal procedures. Allegations and speculations have been made about the identities of these women. These behaviors of shifting blame and gaslighting are symptomatic of the toxic masculinity that we must challenge at every turn.
When community leaders are uplifted regardless of their sexist and violent behavior towards Black women, it sends a message to survivors that they will not be believed, that they will not be supported, and that their safety doesn’t matter.
We must stand up for Black women. We must stand up for all survivors.
Right now, we must stand with the survivors speaking out using #MeTooBaltimore to call for accountability from local movement leaders.
We’ve seen how quickly abusive behaviors are swept under the rug in movement spaces – in organizations and collectives that at the surface appear progressive, or even radical. We have found movement spaces to feel particularly silencing as survivors balance the needs and safety of our communities with our own needs and safety. We know that the survivors affiliated with #MeToo, Baltimore did not come to their decision to speak out lightly and rather seek safety, healing, and accountability.
#MeToo, Baltimore. We believe you. We stand with you. And we’re here for you.
