Twin Cities Take Back the Night

Twin Cities Take Back the Night 2011, a march and rally to combat sexual violence, will be held at Minneapolis Community and Technical College Plaza on Apr. 29 from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.

The Twin Cities have hosted an annual Take Back the Night event for decades. Each year, community members have taken this opportunity to raise awareness about sexual violence in the area.

The upcoming event boasts the theme, “Using radical resistance to challenge rape culture and to create safe and transformative healing processes for survivors of sexual violence.” The planning coalition has been operating under a definition of sexual violence that not only includes rape and sexual assault but also violence based on actual or perceived sex or sexual orientation.

Attendees will be able to access a variety of new resources including informational materials from sponsors, on-site crisis counseling by trained staff from the Aurora Center for Advocacy and Education, and security personnel and marshals for the event and march. ASL interpretation has been arranged.

This year’s event will begin with a rally, featuring several speakers and performers including music by Ashley Gold. A march through downtown Minneapolis will follow.

As in past years, the event will close with a candlelight vigil and “speak-out” where attendees may speak to the group about their thoughts and experiences surrounding the issue of sexual violence.

Everyone is welcome to attend this Take Back the Night event. The MCTC campus is readily accessible via pubic transit, located along lines 2, 6, and 12.

For more information, find our Facebook event page, listed under Twin Cities Take Back the Night 2011 or e-mail twincitiestbtn@gmail.com.