Juul Lit and Floor Besuijen fight sexual transgression

Rotterdam illustrator Juul Lit and photographer Floor Besuijen have launched the initiative Dat Bepaal Ik Zelf Wel. With this project, they want to make sexually transgressive behaviour discussable as this is essential to raise awareness and create a culture where personal boundaries are respected. To this end, they have designed a longsleeve and a calendar, among other things, which were recently presented at a theme night in Worm. The items are available via Juul Lit's webshop.

The calendar is a nod to the objectifying calendars full of naked women often found in workplaces. For this calendar, 12 models were asked to pose within
four different themes; Goddess, Pin-up Housewife, Dreamy & Bold Portraits and Biker Girls. The models have been captured in an empowering way. The back features quotes from the models about their interests within this theme. In addition, there are illustrative pages of information on sexual transgressive behaviour within the themes of street harassment, sexual violence, transgressive behaviour in the workplace and bystander intervention.

Breaking taboos

Sexual transgressive behaviour is a global problem that affects the lives of many people every day. This behaviour can be subtle, such as making unwanted comments about someone's body or snubbing someone, or more invasive, such as touching someone uninvited. While going out, in the workplace or just in your own home. In any situation, personal boundaries are ignored, making the other person feel unsafe and disrespected.

For many people, this behaviour is not only uncomfortable but also harmful. It can cause lasting feelings of insecurity, anxiety and even traumatic stress. This problem mainly affects women and the LGBTQIA+ community, but anyone can face it.

With the project, the two hope to contribute to a safer society and break taboos.