What is International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers?<\/h2>\n
So, what is International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers<\/a> (17th<\/sup> December) all about?<\/p>\n This day was created as a memorial and vital for the victims of the Green River Killer in Washington, USA. However, it quickly snowballed into a worldwide annual event where sex workers and their allies celebrate the profession and advocate for sex worker rights. The day also calls attention to the stigma<\/a>, misconception, and hate crimes sex workers face.<\/p>\n But it\u2019s not only about the negative aspects of the job. December 17th is also a day to celebrate the strength and resilience of sex workers<\/a>.<\/p>\n Sex workers need to advocate for their rights, but it\u2019s even more critical for non-sex workers to become allies and join the fight. A united force is always stronger, and by campaigning for sex worker rights, you\u2019ll educate your friends, family, and anyone open to listening.<\/p>\n Non-sex workers are integral to spreading the word and helping to improve sex workers\u2019 safety and overall quality of life. Are you interested in joining the movement? Learn how you can become an ally to sex workers below:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Get your notepad out! Here are five tips to note down:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Language matters in all scenarios, but especially when discussing sex work. Sex workers face stigma from wrong assumptions, inaccurate portrayals, and age-old stereotypes. Using an outdated phrase means you\u2019re unknowingly adding to this, making life harder for sex workers – even though you\u2019re trying to make them more visible.<\/p>\n Avoid any derogatory terms for sex workers and sex in general. Instead, focus on using medically accurate and professional terms. This way, you\u2019re perpetuating that sex work is work and reinforcing this idea to those around you.<\/p>\n If you hear anyone calling themself a \u201cprostitute\u201d as a joke, call them out on it. While they might think it\u2019s a funny quip, remind them that it contributes to negative stereotypes and makes the world more complicated for sex workers.<\/p>\n Any sex worker advocacy guide<\/a> will tell you to research and educate yourself (more on this below). But one of the best ways to start this process is by listening to the real experiences of sex workers.<\/p>\n Yes, there are many helpful resources from brilliant organisations, but you should also prioritise lived experiences. The more we uplift sex workers through their stories, the more visible they become.<\/p>\n Asking questions is important, especially when trying to be informed about sex work. However, pestering sex workers with constant questions is frustrating. So, try to educate yourself on the topics rather than relying on someone else.<\/p>\n If you want to ask a sex worker a question but aren\u2019t sure if it\u2019s the right thing to do, ask yourself these questions:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Generally, asking sex worker-specific questions is okay – as long as they\u2019re not too personal. However, asking an easily searchable question is likely to fall flat. Don\u2019t take offence, though! Put yourself in the sex worker\u2019s shoes. Being repeatedly asked a question isn\u2019t a pleasant experience.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve tapped into new resources and listened to real-life stories, it\u2019s time to spread the word.<\/p>\n Sex workers are unfavourably represented in media and pop culture. So, if a non-sex worker hasn\u2019t done the research, this is likely their assumption of the career. Sharing what you\u2019ve learned and providing an accurate career image is necessary to dismantle false stereotypes.<\/p>\n You can do this in a range of ways, including:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Local and personal activism is critical. However, you should also join the nationwide movement to help sex workers across the country and to raise issues with the government.<\/p>\n The best way to do this in the UK is through well-known charities and organisations. Great options include the SWARM collective<\/a>, Beyond The Streets,<\/a> National Ugly Mugs,<\/a> and Decrim Now<\/a>.<\/p>\n See our expert-approved complete UK sex worker resource list<\/a> now.<\/p>\n There are endless ways to support UK sex workers, and we can\u2019t fit them all into one list. However, here are some more critical steps you can take to help sex workers navigate the physical and <\/em><\/strong>emotional impacts of misconceptions and stigma<\/em><\/strong><\/a>:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Are you ready to start standing up and speaking out for sex workers? Vivastreet is here to help. We have hundreds of blogs about sex work, escorting, and advocacy. From International Sex Workers Day<\/a> to navigating stigma and discrimination<\/a>, we cover all essential topics.<\/p>\n We also conduct regular industry interviews<\/a> to uplift sex worker\u2019s voices and spread the word about their experiences, struggles, and opinions.<\/p>\nWhy standing up for sex workers is everyone\u2019s responsibility<\/span><\/h3>\n
Becoming a visible ally: 5 ways to look out for sex workers<\/h2>\n
1. Choosing words carefully<\/span><\/h3>\n
2. Listen to lived experiences<\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\n3. Educate yourself<\/span><\/h3>\n
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4. Share your knowledge<\/span><\/h3>\n
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5. Join the larger movement<\/span><\/h3>\n
Other ways to support sex workers in the UK<\/h2>\n
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Get started as a sex worker ally today<\/h2>\n