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PHOTO BY TIFFANY RICHARDS

CROSS DRESSING FOR A CAUSE. Participant Ken Kieffer showing off his school spirit for the Cougars in Husky territory.

Men don women’s shoes for a good cause

By Tiffany Richards

On the afternoon of April 24, the citizens of Tacoma witnessed something they do not see everyday. They saw men from various occupations walking down one of the busiest sections of Pacific Avenue, wearing high heels.

What many may not have realized is that they were walking for a good cause. The event was the third annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” fundraiser for the Sexual Assault Center of Pierce County, an event geared to raise awareness and prevent rape, sexual assault, and gender violence in the greater Tacoma area.

Penni Maples, fund development manager for the organization, noted that sexual assault is a topic most people feel uncomfortable talking about. “The event gives it a voice,” she remarked.

It is not something that only affects women, she added, pointing out that one in six males in the United States is sexually abused by the time they turn 18.

And many men end up with women they care about who are victims.

“Even though it primarily affects women, they have brothers, fathers and friends,” Maples said.

Maples went on to say that the event is geared to breaking down the gender barriers that exist around this issue, emphasizing that it is not just a problem that impacts women.

“[There are] male victims, and males who love victims,” Maples said.

“It’s a good cause. And I think it brings awareness to an issue people are afraid to talk about,” said participant Judd Johnson.

The walk began in front of Washington State History Museum, then continued down Pacific Avenue. The walkers then took a sharp right down South 15th Street and down ‘A’ Street in front of the Post Office. They then took another right at South 14th Street beside the Wells Fargo Building, than walked back to the History Museum.  

Some struggled down the sidewalk, some walked as if they had done so their entire lives, and still, they walked. With the sun and wind on their backs, the echo of applause and honking horns in their ears, they walked with confidence.

“It feels really empowering and liberating,” participant Peter Ryan said.

The participants also shared some stories about how they acquired their diverse footwear for the event.

“My husband [Paul] had his shoes donated from the Macy’s at the Tacoma Mall,” said Yvonni Seville. She added with a laugh that his shoes are the prissy brand.

Duke York, president of Master Builders Association of Pierce County, spent an afternoon with an employee checking out shoes at a Payless shoe store. They tried some on and sought the advice of their significant others and store staff, while figuring out for themselves what shoes offered the best fit and support. “I ended up with pink flats,” York remarked.

But the event did not stop, even after many of the participants began making their way back to home or work. Some were even stopped on Pacific Avenue by curious spectators.

“We’re heartened by our community coming out and supporting us,” said Sexual Assault Center staff member and participant Carolee Wynhoff. “And making such a visual display of our cause to the community.”

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