Simon Bullmer

Simon Bullmer, 11 Acrylic on canvas

Why can’t they take no for an answer No means no

Girls shouldn’t be taught to live in fear We should be able to walk alone We shouldn’t have to check under our cars We shouldn’t have to live with society telling us To cover-up Why can’t we all just learn what consent is? This isn’t just adults that need to learn This needs to be taught to high schoolers Middle schoolers Even Elementary schoolers This is the message that needs to be spread So that no matter who you are You are taught that Your body is yours All we are asking for is To be heard And believed Don’t forget what you learned as a toddler Keep your hands to yourself And No means No

We’re not too young to learn about rape Or to speak out, so listen as we create our own Definitions and boundaries About our bodies.

-Ella Harlow, 8