sexworkersforchoice.org

Sex Workers For Choice

Value of Sex Work interviews: 9/18 Detroit, 9/19-22 NYC

Anyone interested in doing a quick (5 min.) audio or video (your choice on comfort level) interview regarding the value of sex work, please contact sexworkers4choice@gmail.com.  All identities confidential.  Material will be used in conjunction with my presentation on if/how sex work has value in society at an upcoming academic conference.  No names or any identifying information will be used.  I will not be documenting any personal info (no formal release needs to be signed), but I will be asking you on camera/audio if you agree to the interview and it's use before proceeding.

Interviewing dates/locations:
Sept. 18 near Detroit Metro Airport
Sept. 19-22 in NYC

My intent is to provide quotes in other people's own voices about how they feel about sex work (good, bad or indifferent) instead of just having my voice be the only one portrayed.  I will also be including interviews from people outside of the sex work community to help offer differing viewpoints, as well as address the issues some cite on how sex work may NOT have value in society.   Right now sex work is not valued enough in our society because it gets lumped together with crime, trafficking, addiction and a whole host of other perceived societal ills.   I feel that for value to be able to be recognized, more needs to be done to help separate and define the many different perspectives of sex work, honoring where it provides benefits, while addressing it's problems at the same time.   Above all, I want to talk about sex work *honestly*, not ignoring opposing viewpoints in order to try and bolster my own points.    

The end result will be about showing how sex work does have value though.  There has not been enough shared about the positives of sex work because of the need for discretion and fear of judgment, let alone legal concerns of those that can give first hand perspectives.  That silence allows the sensationalized trafficking scenarios or glitzy high-dollar Spitzer scandals to define the experiences of sex work, and I know that there is so much more then that.  I'm hoping to provide a safe outlet for some of the more positive stories to be shared. 

Feel free to write with any questions or concerns, and I hope to hear from a great cross section of society.  Men, women, transgender, worker, client, or outside observer, I appreciate any comments you might want to share.  

**please note I am only one person, and I am right now doing this project on my own.  I will do my best to respond in a timely fashion. **  

Rachelle

Buck Angel "Public Cervix Announcement"

Love trans porn star Buck Angel already, but love his "Public Cervix Announcement" to address health issues of trans men.  Second clip is with a trans woman colleague of his addressing prostate health for trans women. 



Discussion of free speech on John Stossel

John Stossel leads a discussion on First Amendment rights and what constitutes "obscenity".

What I love about being a sex worker

A varying perspective for anyone that thinks sex workers can't enjoy their work...

This is not to discount the trafficked/exploited or those that are forced into sex work by circumstance.  These are the words of those of us that *choose* sex work, and  love it!  It is not for everyone, and neither are a whole host of other jobs out there...just watch Mike Rowe on "Dirty Jobs" for some other examples. There are plenty of jobs he's done where you could not pay me enough... :-p

Video courtesy of Red Light Chicago

Direct link for video  

German sex worker interviewed by BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p007ry8z

This was my breakfast this morning...   I enjoy listening to seasoned sex workers, as they have a way of eloquently stating some of the truths about sex work.  "Sexuality is very important for people, and for some men and women, it's not possible to have this sexuality in a private life and without paying for it."  Straightforward and matter of fact...one of many things I love about talking to other sex workers.

I had a hard time with her saying that no one is a victim and that no one would consider themselves a victim if you asked them though...even those being trafficked.  First off, there ARE trafficking situations where people are put to work by FORCE and by force/coercion alone.  There is no "choice" in those situations.  Period.  A 13 year old that is being sold by her mother to migrant farm workers is not making the choice to do sex work...

Some do "choose" sex work for survival because they have limited/no options to support themselves otherwise, and because of the desperate situation, can end up becoming trafficked.  I think that for some in these types of situations, the worker might expect that situation to happen because of the general lack of protection in society for our industry, and because it is so pervasive within that level of sex work.  Those expectations might change the ability for the worker to identify as a victim, although anyone being trafficked, in my mind, is certainly being victimized. 

Also, when we live in a society that does not allow one to choose sex work with honor, and/or legally, I think it is a common defense when caught to cry "victim"...it's easier to find leniency, and to not be shunned by non-sex workers if you say you regret what you did...especially when it is a job/topic that many fear and do not understand.

I applaud all those that  come forward and put themselves out there to discuss their experiences about sex work though, and enjoyed hearing this woman's perspective.  This will be the only way to continue to engage in dialogue about the truths within our industry, and for others to gain understanding and appreciation for sex work. 

Looking for sex workers and clients willing to be interviewed

SW4C are looking for sex workers from all backgrounds, income levels, genders, and races as well as their clients who are willing to be interviewed (audio and/or video) on what value they find in sex work.  We want to include short snippets of personal accounts in our upcoming presentation on this topic at the Desiree Alliance Conference.  Some questions will also include what drawbacks sex work might have on your life, and how you might justify or balance that in your choices.

Please contact sexworkers4choice@gmail.com for more info.


Thank you abortion providers everywhere!

Thank you to abortion providers everywhere for all that you do to bring safe, legal abortions to women.  We know you have a challenging task in the first place, but the harrasment and intimidation you face every day does not make it any easier.  Thank you for your dedication, and providing compassionate care to women in need everywhere. 

SW4C honored one of our favorite local abortion clinics by backing cookies, and including notes from supporters to show our appreciation.





Swedish sex worker talks about effects of regulation in her country

Choice and trafficking are not easily discernable

In a recent quote surrounding concerns about sex work at the World Cup in which FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke said,

“Sex work is so tied up with human trafficking that you cannot separate the two. It’s not just an issue of just being liberal around people’s individual choice because most women and children involved don’t have a choice.”

This statement exemplifies the need for sex worker rights activists to step up to fight against trafficking within our industry.  When the general public cannot discern between who of us may *choose* sex work and who is being harmed, we loose valuable avenues of possible support.

Ending trafficking means we clear the debris that hides who we really are, and what we really do.

Abortion or omelet??

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