Heels and cocktails sound like a typical ladies’ night, but on Thursday, it was a group of Baton Rouge men who strutted their stuff, motivated by a good cause.
The Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response Center hosted inaugural Hunks in Heels Runway Show as part of the third annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event series at The Office bar.
Several Baton Rouge residents strapped on their highest heels and stepped down the runway while STAR staff collected tips to raise money for the organization.
STAR provides free support, advocacy and education for victims of sexual trauma and is the only center of its kind in Baton Rouge.
Cathy Thurmond, STAR Outreach coordinator, said similar male fashion shows have been done in other cities.
“It comes from the idea of ‘walking a mile in her shoes,’” Thurmond said.
David Remmetter, owner of Chelsea’s Cafe and Radio Bar, donned the catwalk for a friend who had experienced sexual trauma.
“It’s really easy to walk for someone when they are so positive about recovery and positive in life,” Remmetter said.
Remmetter took home the “Hottest Hunk” award for raising the most money — $1,700 — in his silver, webbed heels.
Debbie Barnett, graduate student and STAR intern, said the event is important because it brings awareness to an issue many are uncomfortable talking about.
Barnett said instead of hiding sexual trauma or blaming victims, people should educate themselves on respecting women to stop sexual trauma.
Remmetter said the event and organization highlight that sexual trauma is something actual happens.
When Remmetter was young, he said he never thought too much about the issue, but it became more of a reality as he got older.
“People want to hide it, but the point is to get out and talk about it,” Barnett said.
Chris Brooks, General Manager and Associate Publisher at DIG Magazine, wobbles down the runway Thursday, September 19, 2013 at the Hunks in Heels event at The Office Bar in Downtown Baton Rouge.
