PUNK PSA:

PUNK PSA:

(Maybe) don’t put anything too political on your back patches— especially about your own marginalized experiences.

This has been a long standing rule in punk communities, passed down for generations. People do get jumped and experience violence as a result of this. You can’t see who is behind you, you can’t tell if they’re far right, and you can’t prepare yourself for sudden violence from behind.

So many people are new to the scene, introduced via social media, and don’t know the weight of walking with something on your back (literally and metaphorically) that immediately outs you as marginalized. If you’re able to defend yourself, or out with friends who can watch your back, by all means go for it and wear whatever you want on your back patches but if you walk alone at all ever, please be safe.

Also this is why punks wear spikes and studs on our shoulders especially. Makes it harder for someone to grab you and works as self defense (but also never wear spikes at a small show or if you plan to mosh— people can get hurt!).

Wear whatever you want, just want people to know what you’re signing up for if you do choose to.