(Boston) International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers

[jacobno]

Calling all prostitutes, sex worker service providers, and allies. Join us at St. John's Church, 35 Bowdoin St. (Beacon Hill) to remember female, transgender, and male sex workers we've lost to violence, hate, and ignorance! Bring pictures, flowers, names, writing, songs... your voice! Come out to remeber and to teach others how they can help you survive.

December 17, 2004

2-5pm

[Juan Vancouver]

I will be with you in my heart...

 

Man, such an interesting ocassion to just be silent, smile and remember those who werent as lucky as we are now. How different the world is, and how much it betters itself everyday.

I am in Vancouver and wont be able to be with you on the 17th, but I will be joining you in my heart.

Lets hope that the world keeps becoming safer for everyone!

 

A tight warm hug,

 

Juan

[noviceny]

RE: I will be with you in my heart...

 

Wow..what a great idea...Ive never heard of this before...Is it a new initiative...church based ?...very very cool

[jacobno]

The program is being organized by Cambridge Cares About AIDS. I'm currently working for another orginization, but thought this would be an important event to help promote. The idea is for the attendees to make it their own, by contributing their thoughts, memories, and reflections of people they have known or their personal experiences.

Try a google search for "International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers",and you may find something going on in your area.

[noviceny]

Thanks Jacob,

 

Maybe we have something in NYC. I live in the burbs and have spent the past 4 years working for an HIV/AIDS social service agency and have never heard of anything like it. We work with a large number of CSW's (no, not certified social workers...it stands for commercial sex workers:-) I believe that's what NY is using for the p.c. word. I like "escorts" better) and the closest we ever got to any non-violence stuff was Take Back the Night.

 

Anyway, good for you guys...especially during this month with World AIDS day and the holidays !! Great job

[Guest backbaygayguy]

Today's New York Times (the Boston edition, but presumably also in the NYC edition) has an article (p. A10) on sex workers organizing, outreach programs, and the second national Day of Remembrance yesterday. Mostly about NYC, but mentions efforts in several other cities (not Boston). The article mentions only women sex workers with male customers.

 

No link provided, you need to register to use the NYTimes online.

[noviceny]

Yup, saw that article too.

 

The female escort movement might have to take off before a male escort movement takes off...just my opinion. This female escort movement (which I will refer to as "fem") will have some backers not because they are a disenfranchised escort community, but because they are a disenfranchised female movement.

 

The article mentioned vioelnce against women and also smacks a bit of women in the workplace issues. All of this is valid, but would be more difficult to do with male escorts for the following reasons :

 

1) I dont think our society takes violence against men that seriously. We encourage our men/boys to fight as long as its against other men.

 

2) Sodomy against men took longer to get recognized (in a legal aspect) than rape against women

 

3) Men as escorts touches on the taboo subject of men having sex with men. Both straight men and women can get behind the fem, but I think straight men could have more difficulty getting behind the male movement cause of sexual stereotypes.

 

Also, both "organizations" will have a tough time legitimizing the business. Women have the best bet making it a womens rights and anti-violence issue. I have no idea what men would turn too

 

Great ideas though and it is great in that it raises awareness.

[jacobno]

Hey Guys,

 

Just as a debriefing.

 

About thirty people attended the memorial with a 50/50 split between service providers and sex workers. In line what has been said in other posts, the message was mostly aimed at the women's movement towards legalization of prostitution and the lack of culturally competent service providers in the area. There were a few readings: "50 Reasons Why #### Are My Role Models", a quasi-feminist speech from a "junkie-ho", and a pledge for service providers to offer sensitive service. Afterwards, there was time to light candles in memory of victims of violence. People in the audience would stand, come to the front, and light a candle, saying their friend or loved one's name if they wished. It was a bit shocking to see how many candles were lit by the 30 or so people.

So remember, be nice to ho-s.