A series exploring women and genderqueer identities within the DIY Punk and Arts scenes. In this installment Sara Harrington depicts scenes from her own experience playing in a touring ska punk band.
Hugs are great. A comfort between two arms and some shoulders can convey a multitude of expressions; from love, to loss, to last goodbyes. We greet others with hugs as a sign of familiarity and good will – as someone who meets many people playing gigs I have hugged many a friend and stranger. This illustration is not anti-hug. I love to hug people. Instead this illustration draws upon a few experiences where someone has apologised for their behaviour but insists that for the problem to be resolved a physical contract (a hug) is needed. Clearly their intentions are well meaning, a hug is what friends do. However the problem arises when you publish an article saying ‘Don’t Fucking Touch Me’ (CW: verbal and sexual assault) and someone wants to apologise for their behaviour by touching you.
All images by Sara Harrington
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