child_friendly International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers
Sex Workers Outreach Project-USA has defined sex work as "any type of labor where the explicit goal is to produce a sexual or erotic response in the client." Sex workers include not only prostitutes, but erotic dancers, professional dominant or professional submissive workers, webcam workers, adult film stars, sensual massagists, phone sex operators, and sugar babies. On the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, sex workers and their allies and advocates come together to remember workers in the field who have been victims of violence, particularly those who have lost their lives over the past year, and to organize against discrimination.
On the day, there is a renewed commitment "to the ongoing struggle for empowerment, visibility, and rights for all sex workers." There is an effort to eradicate the stigma, discrimination, and criminalization that sex workers face, which contributes to the acceptability of violence against them. Additionally, there is a renewed commitment to solidarity with other groups that face discrimination, such as transwomen, women of color, immigrants, and drug users, as it is acknowledged that much of the violence against sex workers is perpetrated against them.
On the day and during the week surrounding it, social justice organizations and sex worker communities hold vigils and organize events to raise awareness about violence that is committed against sex workers. An important symbol of the day that is used at many of its events is the red umbrella, which is a symbol for sex worker rights. The day was first marked in 2003, as part of a memorial and vigil for the victims of Seattle's Green River Killer. The Green River Killer had confessed to killing at least 49 women, most of whom were sex workers. He claimed he used prostitutes as his victims because he knew it would take longer for them to be reported missing—if they were reported missing at all—which he thought lessened his chances of getting caught. The memorial was held on December 17 because it was the date of the Green River Killer's conviction.
International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers was started by Sex Workers Outreach Project-USA, "a national social justice network dedicated to the fundamental human rights of people involved in the sex trade and their communities, focusing on ending violence and stigma through education and advocacy." The organization was started in 2003, just like the holiday, and its first major initiative was the holiday.
How to Observe International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers
Ways the day could be observed include:
- Attend an International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers vigil or another event. Events can be found on the day's website. If you know of an event taking place, you can submit it to be included on the website.
- Talk to others about the violence and discrimination that sex workers face, and about the stigma that is attached to their line of work, which perpetuates the injustices they experience.
- Read over the lists of sex workers who have lost their lives during the past year. If you know a sex worker who has passed away on account of violence, you could submit their information to be included on the lists.
- Carry a red umbrella.
- Donate to the Sex Workers Outreach Project-USA, join one of their chapters, start a new chapter, or subscribe to their newsletter.
- Watch a documentary about sex work.
- Read a book about sex workers, such as Revolting Prostitutes: The Fight for Sex Workers' Rights, Thriving in Sex Work: Heartfelt Advice for Staying Sane in the Sex Industry, Playing the Whore: The Work of Sex Work, and Coming Out Like a Porn Star: Essays on Pornography, Protection, and Privacy.