SWOP-Seattle

Sunday 3/10 International Womens Day – Allies News

MaryMagdalene — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:03:59 +0000

The Gender Equality Caucus of Occupy Seattle will be holding a rally including speakers, music, a speak-out, and arts on March 10th 2012 at Westlake Park for International Women’s Day, in solidarity with women and their struggles across the globe.
This is a day to celebrate women, honor our diverse struggles and strengths. As there is no single “woman experience”, we find it imperative for women from all different backgrounds be empowered to tell their story and share their knowledge, experience and perspective.

This will also be a day to fight back against the violations of women, fight back against the divide and conquer tactics that have kept us apart this long. A day to to come out with our stories and to say loudly that we refuse to live this way, a day to ask one and another “What would your liberation look like?” and learn how we can stand in solidarity with women from a multitude of backgrounds across the entire globe.

We call on people on the days leading up to and on International Women’s Day itself to be a part of creating a powerful outpouring of music, speak-outs, spoken word, speeches, art and a march on International Women’s Day at Westlake Park.

In standing up together, we will celebrate women here and all over the world who lift their heads up and resist.

If you are interested in speaking, tabling, performing or facilitating art projects please let us know. We hope to see you there!

Power to the People,

E. Rose Harriot

(206) 948-4548

eroseharriot@gmail.com

2012 Events – More info soon!

MaryMagdalene — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:01:51 +0000

Sun 3/18 – Planning meeting
Tue 4/3 – Social event
Sun 4/15 – Planning meeting
***SUNDAY 4/22 ALLIES MEETING***
Tue 5/1 – Social event
Sun 5/20 – Planning meeting
Tue 6/5 – Planning meeting
Sun 6/17 Social event at SEAF

Sun 6/24 Participation in Seattle Pride

Please contact info@nw-swop.org for more information!

3/3 Sex Worker Rights Day – panel discussion

MaryMagdalene — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 04:59:09 +0000

Rights vs. Rescue: Sex Worker Rights, Harm Reduction and the Law

Date: Saturday, March 3, 2012
Time: 3-5pm
Location: Capitol Hill Library Branch, 425 Harvard Ave E, 98102
2nd floor meeting room

Note: This event is not sponsored by The Seattle Public Library

Panel description:
Human rights violations against sex workers– including violence, mistreatment, and/or misguided “help” from state and social service agents – are all too common. These violations have recently been recognized by the United Nations and US State Department. This panel, comprised of human rights and social justice workers/activists in Seattle, will discuss how people from the progressive community can work together for sex workers’ rights within a broader framework of social justice.

More information:
Sex workers—that is people who engage in sexual commerce for income and subsistence needs—are members of families and communities in all parts of the United States. Because of stigma and criminalization sex workers—and those profiled as such—are subjected to violence and discrimination, and are impeded from accessing critical services, such as healthcare, and the right to equal protection under the law. State agents themselves, specifically police officers, commit physical and sexual violence against sex workers. These abuses are particularly rampant in poor and working class, urban, majority African-American and immigrant communities and also greatly affect lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Globally, the U.S. federal anti-prostitution policies, such as the “anti-prostitution pledge,” have had dire consequences for international HIV/AIDS efforts. Globally, there is also a movement to reverse these trends. Come learn more about these issues on March 3.

**This description is borrowed from a policy brief delivered to the US State Department in Feb. 2011 by Human Rights for All: concerned advocates for the rights of sex workers and people in the sex trade.

12/17 – International Day To End Violence Against Sex Workers

MaryMagdalene — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 21:32:51 +0000

International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers - Vigil and Procession

Saturday December 17th, 2011, 5-7pm, Cal Anderson Park

In the spirit of remembrance and healing, the Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP-USA) and SWOP chapters from around the United States wish to join sex worker allies and advocates from around the world in recognizing December 17, the International Day to End Violence against Sex Workers. As we approach this day, we seek to come together to remember those who we have lost this year, and renew our commitment in the on-going struggle for empowerment, visibility, and rights for all sex workers.

The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers was originally developed by Dr. Annie Sprinkle and SWOP founder Robyn Few to shine a spotlight on the epidemic of violence against sex workers happening globally. SWOP-USA began commemorating the Day as a memorial and vigil for the victims of the Green River Killer in Seattle, Washington, who murdered at least 71 women, most of whom were sex workers from 1982 to 1998.

This candlelight vigil will be a space to show our love and respect for sex workers murdered due to maginalization, stigmatization and hatred. We invite our allied community to mourn collectively. Participants are more than welcome and encouraged to bring a poem, song, prayer, or loving words. This event is open to the public.

For more information on December 17^th:

www.swopusa.org/dec17

Portland Women’s Crisis Line News

MaryMagdalene — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 21:30:04 +0000

This year, in Portland, Oregon, we want to highlight the inordinate violence that transworkers face while in the sex industry. Please join us at the following events in solidarity against violence.

International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers

We invite you to an evening of remembrance and healing. We will have community speakers, an open mic, and screening of the film A Safer Sex Trade. We will also make origami cranes to remember victims. Please bring new/used tents, sleeping bags and flashlights for Our Mother’s House. (December 17, Red and Black café, 400 SE 12th, 7-10PM)

Sex Worker’s Care Space

Yummy treats, pampering, art and goodie bags await you. This evening is reserved for current and former sex workers. Please RSVP for directions- swoc@pwcl.org or call Natalie 503.419.4355. (December 11, 5:30-8PM)
Our Mother’s House Tent Drive

Our Mother’s House is a drop-in center offering food, warm drinks, company, and resources to local mothers in the sex industry. They also provide sleeping bags and tents to their attendees who are houseless. To support their important work we are collecting new and gently used tents, sleeping bags, and flashlights. Find a location nearest you and donate! (November 17-December 17, US Outdoor Store, In Other Words,