Social movements and large gatherings of people often lead to sex. In the case of Brandon Watts, 19, it lead to him losing his virginity, Four Lokos later, as he told the Wall Street Journal reporter. In some instances these sexual experiences can be positive or at least memorable for their tie to a particular time and place, and in other moments if based on a non-consensual encounter can be devastating. The "occupy" movement has had both examples to contend with.
At the site of Occupy Wall Street condoms have been made available at medical and comfort stations, primarily by an unnamed donor worried about overpopulation or as the Wall Street Journal reported he said "Just make sure they aren't breeding." While some feel the movement should embrace the free love vibe, others view the sexual side of so many people camping out in cramped corners as a media distraction from the multi-stranded cause. Condomania has even come out with an Occupy Wall Street condom, with slogans such as
"Occupy Condoms," "99 percent effective," "We won't be screwed!" and "We will come first!"
But on a more serious note, it has also been reported that in pamphlets at the site of Occupy Baltimore, victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the sites internal security committee. While it does not explicitly tell individuals not to go to the police, some have taken this language to mean just this, despite a spokesperson indicating it is just the movement "trying to be a self-contained community and deal with conflicts internally as much as possible." Yet many on these security committee do not have training to deal with these serious situations. Sadly, incidents of sexual assault have taken place at the occupy Cleveland, Seattle and Oakland locations.
Where there are people there is sex, and hopefully as the "occupy" movement continues there will be no more cases like the above, instead replaced by experiences of the Brandon Watts of the world, who will always has a special place in his heart for Zuccotti Park.
To read more from the Wall Street Journal on sex and occupy Wall Street:
To read more about Occupy Baltimore's pamphlet debate:
To purchase your very own occupy wall street condoms: