The women of Byron shire, together with children and many male supporters, will again be out in big numbers on Main Beach as the sun rises on Sunday, February 14.
The ancient tradition of Valentines Day has been rebranded V-Day to highlight the horrific epidemic of male violence against women and children.
But it true Byron style the mood is more a celebratory call for change than a political confrontation.
1 Billion Rising was set in motion in 2013 by Eve Ensler, author of the Vagina Monologues, and last year more 200 countries participated in various events, including a dance to gospel anthem Break the Chain.
The billion refers to the UN statistic that one in three women will be raped or beaten in her lifetime.
Byron Bay has its own high incidence of sexual assault and V-Day is an opportunity to be involved in highlighting it, instead of assuming the real problem is elsewhere.
The last few years saw hundreds of women, children and men dance together in Byron – and organisers are hoping that this year the numbers will grow further.
The morning’s dance and plunge on Main Beach will be followed by an evening event, Vagina Conversations, at Byron Theatre, featuring contributions from Mandy Nolan, Ilona Harker, Zenith Virago, Laura Doe and many more.
Rise for Revolution, the fourth annual V-Day dance event, Byron Bay Main Beach, Sunday February 14, 6.30am arrival for 7.30am dance. Wear something (or everything) red. Follow it on Facebook
Vagina Conversations, Sunday February 14, 6pm, Byron Theatre, tickets $15, available from byroncentre.com.au. Proceeds donated to Women & Children’s Rescue Service Byron.
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