How/why The Slut Map started
The Slut Map is a community backed project using mapping to demonstrate the influence slutshaming has on laws around the world, and consequently people’s lives. It also tracks the progress being made, from laws being overturned or updated, to grassroots organisations and protests fighting back.
Slutshaming is a pervasive problem, and affects marginalised people disproportionately, particularly marginalised genders, members of the queer community, people of colour and the working class. Slutshaming is not only an individual experience, but a systemic one. It affects legal systems across the world and leaves millions without access to important resources like healthcare, justice and more. Yet, slutshaming is rarely seriously considered a discriminating factor in these communities’ experiences of oppression. The Slut Map is intended to change that. In creating this open map, we are demonstrating exactly how slutshaming affects marginalised people all over the world.
The Slut Map was originally a chapter in founder Beth Ashley’s book, Sluts: The Truth About Slutshaming & How to Fight It. However, she soon realised this would be better tracked ongoingly in a map form, rather than included in a book, so progress could be monitored. This way, we’re also continuing the dialogue in a community-based, interactive way and The Slut Map will serve as an archive tracking slutshaming’s history, made in its present.
The team behind The Slut Map are all volunteers who use their free time to research stories across the world, populating the map and making this project as extensive as possible.
Some volunteers are trained journalists and researchers, while others are students, researchers in the making, or people simply wanting to help, and are supported by the professionals in the team to learn core skills needed to create entries. Sometimes we meet up in person in venues around the UK to have research-a-thons and work together on the site.
During these sessions, which are run by Ashley, you can gain key skills in journalism, research, editing, and social media if that’s something you’re looking for. As we’re an inclusive community, there are also virtual opportunities to volunteer and gain the same support.
Donate to The Slut Map
Moderation
The Slut Map is a grassroots project. We are in the process of seeking funding (from council-run budgets for community projects, we will never become private nor work with advertisers) but, in the meantime, we are reliant on donations. If you have the means to, please consider supporting the future of The Slut Map by donating. If you don’t, shout about us on social media to support instead!
The Slut Map is moderated by founder Beth Ashley, sex and relationships journalist and author of Sluts: The Truth About Slutshaming & How to Fight It. Any questions regarding moderation can go to her on beth.ash_97@hotmail.co.uk.