Reclaim These Streets Glasgow

UPDATE - Since writing, the ribbons and signs have been collected, and along with my photographs seen below, they are being archived by Glasgow Women’s Library.

This weekend, in public spaces all across Glasgow, people came to tie ribbons, leave messages of solidarity, share their stories, and reflect upon everything the last week has brought up. These photos show the vigils at George Square, Queen's Park, Mary Barbour's Statue in Govan, Kelvingrove Park, and Alexandra Park.

I think being able to share and reflect as communities was incredibly important, so I wanted to help document the vigils in these images before they are removed by the council and organisers.
I chose not to attend on Saturday evening and risk increasing the footfall, as Police Scotland threatened organisers with arrest and fines if any gatherings occurred. So instead, these photos were taken on Sunday morning. People continued to pay their respects and add their tributes throughout the day.

Every ribbon, note, and candle you see in these images represents someone who has experienced men's violence.

In the words of comedian Daniel Sloss, there are monsters among us and they look like us - so it's up to us, men, to end men's violence. It's not enough to not be part of the problem, we need to actively be part of the solution, because otherwise the world will continually refuse to be changed. That means listening, having difficult conversations with each other, and challenging acts of misogyny.

This week has been really hard, with constant news coverage of men's violence against women, and social media filled with anger and ignorance. It's important that we all validate the anger, grief, and exhaustion that many are feeling right now, and be there for our loved ones if they need us.
Groups like RapeCrisis Scotland, Scottish Women's Aid and Shout 85258 are there too, to support anyone affected by the kinds of issues that have been unavoidable.

#reclaimthesestreets