Heeled men march against violence

As students walk through the quad at this time of year, we are reminded by the men of the Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity to take a stand against domestic violence. And every year, we trace our hands onto the board and write our name, pledging that “these hands don’t hurt.”

In 2004, Men Today Men Tomorrow, MT2, was created by a group of men who wanted to take a stand in violence against women. The MT2 message is simple: Respect women. The group hopes to bring awareness to men today and serve as role models for the younger male generation, educating boys and young men to respect women.

“The main point is to get men involved,” MT2 member Bryan Lyda said. “Violence against women has always been considered a women’s issue. It’s time to hold men accountable for their actions.”

“Abuse against women can range anywhere from language to violence,” Lyda said. “If I’m at a bar and I see a guy trying to get up on a drunk lady, I’m going to step in.”

Violence against women should not be tolerated and should not be kept quiet. This is an issue that has been around for years and it’s an issue that needs to be stopped.

In order to promote the message of stopping violence against women, MT2 puts on a walk once a year in downtown Boise. The event is not only meant to raise awareness, but also to offer men with the opportunity to ‘walk in her shoes.’ Therefore, the men who participate in the walk do just that. They each receive a pair of women’s high heel shoes to not only wear, but to walk in.

To show their support, men of all ages congregated outside of Family Advocacy Center and Education Services at 417 S. 6th Street. FACES helps victims of child abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence. Among the men in attendance were Idaho Steelhead and Boise Burn players. The Steelhead players wore game jerseys while the Burn players sported a pink version of their jerseys in support of breast cancer awareness.

Women showed their support by whistling, clapping and offering words of encouragement by shouting, “those are real men,” as the guys took to the street in their high heels, led by the Boise Police Department.

“End rape,” “stop violence” and “no means no” were some of the signs carried by the men throughout the walk.

“I came to Boise about a year ago and was looking for something in Boise I could be a part of,” MT2 member Clay Tuck said. “I found MT2 and thought it was a good cause.”

MT2’s Website, mentodayidaho.org is full of information and places in Boise that are partners with MT2.

There are a number of ways to get involved and become active in the fight against these issues that not only affect women, but men as well. The Women’s Center at Boise State is an organization that helps women and children seek help. The Women’s Center also offers ways everyday community members can get involved. Visit its Website, womenscenter.boisestate.edu, and find information about upcoming events, how to get involved and other information pertaining to relationships and sexual assault.

BY NIKKI HOUSTON
Arbiter Journalist

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