on Sunday March 22 at the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology. My cousin and I arrived there at 6:30am. It's funny because I am really not a morning person yet I felt strangley energized and awake. The weather wasn't the greatest, cold and drizzling.
The ceremony was Native American. A circle of stones lay on the grassy field with a fire in the middle. The "Eastern door" entrance of the circle had 5 bowls of different Native "medicines". I couldn't identify all of them but there was definitley sage and tabacco. There was a firekeeper, who's job was.. you guessed it- making sure the fire stay lit. I love the sound of firewood crackling and popping. It is soothing. the smell is nice as well.
The ceremony started with us entering the circle and grabbing some of the medicines and holding it in our left hands, this would eventually be an offering to the fire.
the firekeeper stared with a prayer of thanks to the Creator. In half English, half Ojibway. I learned a word, ha ha. Thank you-/migwich. A word I would come to hear over and over as the day went on.
The "Elder' also said a prayer to the Four Cornersd, to the sky, the earth and the Creator. There were opening and closing songs with sacred drums and a really cute Mohawk guy. (with an incredible voice)
The Elder passed certain things around. Strawberries representing the heart (funny, I never really noticed how closely they resemble a heart) dipped in sweet water, made from water and maple syrup. the signifiacance of the strawberries is it cleanses the blood and is the first berry to come up in spring.
We stood the whole time yest I never felt tired. The sun didn't really shine that day but the rain/drizzle did let up. We ate the strawberries, leaves and all. The Elder passed a home brewed tea around. It was fragrant. I wish I could have wrote down what was in it. Alas, I wasn't there in an observer capacity but rather as a participant. Its an actual ceremony and therefore was to be taken seriousuly, I am sure the presence of my notebook wouldn't have been welcome. But the tea was really good and soothing.
the peace pipe was passed around as well, though I did not smoke. the ceremony closed with everyone walking around the circle and acknowleding one another by either hug or handshake. It was actually touching..
Then it was inside for some breakfast. Waffles, eggs etc. Then we sat in a circle and drummed and sang. I was just getting over a cold and my throat was raw. I attempted to sing the one and only "indian" song I knew, it was kind of a disaster because my voice was broken but my life has been about living without fear lately so I led us in that song. Luckily for me most of the people there new it and once they took over I faded into the background again. We stayed there til 1130am then it was back home where I got in bed for a nap.
There will be more sunrise ceremonies in the Hamilton area this June at Gage Park. I can't wait.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Sex Workers Event to WAHC part 3 (final part)
Film #5: John's
Rules in strip clubs. Do not touch unless stripper tells you too or places your hands on her bits. do not fall in love with them. Do not bargain, etc.
L.J: talked about clients falling in love with her.
Anya talked about clients conducting business transactions online with no follow through.
Tim mentioned conversing online is easier than on "street level" when it comes to selling sex.
Film #6: didn't bother to document.
Closing remarks:
Cara (who got the most applause from the packed house (so packed in fact that they had to turn people away at the door, luckily for me I was on the guest list). I would have attended the event again if it was just her talking. She said that the majority of sex workers were not victims, that they chose this lifestyle for different reasons and its unfair to "judge" or stereotype them all as victims from bad childhoods, drug addicts etc. She also said the people most against decriminalizing Sw's are actually women who identify as feminists. She states how dare other woman tell her what she can/cannot do with her body and tell her she is a victim when she is not.
They had a disaster of a Q & A period with the audience. They allowed 3 measly questions. It was pointless.
The event ended with burlesque performer Demonica De Morte. And more singing by Miss Rancourt.
------------------------------------------------
The event for me was not so much informative as a bitch and moan session. Again it would have been better to hear from people against the sex trade. And they should have allowed more time for a question and answer period.
So why did I go? In college I did a research paper on male sex workers and wanted to see if I could get more info. Sadly I didn't learn anything I didn't already know.
So what do I think about making prostitution legal? Since there wasn't enough constructive debate I am going to have to stick with my pre-event perception that prostitution is a selfish profession. These women don't care how many families and marriages they help to break up (no it's not their faults alone, the men are even more at fault, but I doubt they care, they're motivation is getting paid)
I do think however that it is their choice what they do with their bodies and that is why if they choose to hook (yes I used that word!) then they need to accept the consequences that go along with it, good or bad. I will say that if they are assaulted the police should take their reports seriously as the may be helping to stop a potential serial killer. I cannot help but wonder if that Picton guy in B.C who allegedly murdered those SW's and fed them to his pigs could have been stopped. I am sure he had assaulted the women he picked up before he started killing them.
Rules in strip clubs. Do not touch unless stripper tells you too or places your hands on her bits. do not fall in love with them. Do not bargain, etc.
L.J: talked about clients falling in love with her.
Anya talked about clients conducting business transactions online with no follow through.
Tim mentioned conversing online is easier than on "street level" when it comes to selling sex.
Film #6: didn't bother to document.
Closing remarks:
Cara (who got the most applause from the packed house (so packed in fact that they had to turn people away at the door, luckily for me I was on the guest list). I would have attended the event again if it was just her talking. She said that the majority of sex workers were not victims, that they chose this lifestyle for different reasons and its unfair to "judge" or stereotype them all as victims from bad childhoods, drug addicts etc. She also said the people most against decriminalizing Sw's are actually women who identify as feminists. She states how dare other woman tell her what she can/cannot do with her body and tell her she is a victim when she is not.
They had a disaster of a Q & A period with the audience. They allowed 3 measly questions. It was pointless.
The event ended with burlesque performer Demonica De Morte. And more singing by Miss Rancourt.
------------------------------------------------
The event for me was not so much informative as a bitch and moan session. Again it would have been better to hear from people against the sex trade. And they should have allowed more time for a question and answer period.
So why did I go? In college I did a research paper on male sex workers and wanted to see if I could get more info. Sadly I didn't learn anything I didn't already know.
So what do I think about making prostitution legal? Since there wasn't enough constructive debate I am going to have to stick with my pre-event perception that prostitution is a selfish profession. These women don't care how many families and marriages they help to break up (no it's not their faults alone, the men are even more at fault, but I doubt they care, they're motivation is getting paid)
I do think however that it is their choice what they do with their bodies and that is why if they choose to hook (yes I used that word!) then they need to accept the consequences that go along with it, good or bad. I will say that if they are assaulted the police should take their reports seriously as the may be helping to stop a potential serial killer. I cannot help but wonder if that Picton guy in B.C who allegedly murdered those SW's and fed them to his pigs could have been stopped. I am sure he had assaulted the women he picked up before he started killing them.
Sex Workers Event at WAHC Part 2
cont'd
" you become a category not a human being"
Tim) people tell us "You can do better", oh yeah, well so can a used car salesman ( I have to admit, this was the most intelligent thing she said.
Cara) there are different types of sex work and therefore not all labels apply, by the way, "johns" are people too.
Ian) when you are involved in sex work, people want to hear your story, they are pretty sure you were abused as a child or that other horrors are in your past.
ME: this was a short film, it got the point across with humour. It was a bunch of different women telling us something about themselves that seems "normal" and including that they are a sex worker. My version (if it was me in that film and if I was a SW) would be: My name is Roberta, I am trying to preserved local history, I love animals and i am a sex worker. you get the idea.
Film #2: Street Sex work starring "Gracey", a sex worker in Calgary.
Gracey got into street hooking to feed her kids. There was this ongoing issue in Calgary re: women selling sex in a condo residence and the city wanted to rid the building of SW's. The Calgary Herald likened prostitutes there to rats. This comment had Gracey in tears. The article also said that these women and johns were making living in that neighbourhood "hell", to which Gracey replied that they don't know what hell is.
panel;
Ian: criminalization of prostitution leads to violence against prostitutes. predators pose as johns. Media propaganda perpetuates this especially with calling the women "hookers" (panelist Tim voiced his disgust with that word)
Cara: She quoted a study which I unfortunately didn't write down, that stated that its a myth that street engaged folks cause property values to decrease.
Film #3: Condom Use Mandatory in porn industry in L.A.
all panelists agreed that the industry pays more when you go condom free. That applies to both straight and gay porn.
Film #4: Gay For Pay featured on the Tyra Banks show.
Tyra spoke with a man who is married to a woman and hetero yet performs in gay porn. Tyra expressed that she didn't understand how a hetero man could do that and not be gay.
Anya: if this was a girl on girl situation, no one would even question it.
Cara: its hard for people to view what we do as work. what we do is not sexually who we are.
--------------------------------------
ME: at this point in the event I started to get irritated. The chatter back and forth was on how Tyra was ignorant and discriminatory (to which the packed house applauded). Meanwhile the panel by calling Tyra ignorant showed judgement, which they themselves were accusing the world at large of being towards them AND discrimination? This coming from a panel where all participants were white! There was no visible minority voice on the panel. Also the panel as a whole was biased. It would have been more well rounded had they included people on the panel from the other side of the argument, someone who disagrees with sex work being decriminalized. Besides, kudos to Tyra to respectfully ask questions of her male guest, she was curious and just wanted to know. Isn't that how awareness happens? By asking questions?
" you become a category not a human being"
Tim) people tell us "You can do better", oh yeah, well so can a used car salesman ( I have to admit, this was the most intelligent thing she said.
Cara) there are different types of sex work and therefore not all labels apply, by the way, "johns" are people too.
Ian) when you are involved in sex work, people want to hear your story, they are pretty sure you were abused as a child or that other horrors are in your past.
ME: this was a short film, it got the point across with humour. It was a bunch of different women telling us something about themselves that seems "normal" and including that they are a sex worker. My version (if it was me in that film and if I was a SW) would be: My name is Roberta, I am trying to preserved local history, I love animals and i am a sex worker. you get the idea.
Film #2: Street Sex work starring "Gracey", a sex worker in Calgary.
Gracey got into street hooking to feed her kids. There was this ongoing issue in Calgary re: women selling sex in a condo residence and the city wanted to rid the building of SW's. The Calgary Herald likened prostitutes there to rats. This comment had Gracey in tears. The article also said that these women and johns were making living in that neighbourhood "hell", to which Gracey replied that they don't know what hell is.
panel;
Ian: criminalization of prostitution leads to violence against prostitutes. predators pose as johns. Media propaganda perpetuates this especially with calling the women "hookers" (panelist Tim voiced his disgust with that word)
Cara: She quoted a study which I unfortunately didn't write down, that stated that its a myth that street engaged folks cause property values to decrease.
Film #3: Condom Use Mandatory in porn industry in L.A.
all panelists agreed that the industry pays more when you go condom free. That applies to both straight and gay porn.
Film #4: Gay For Pay featured on the Tyra Banks show.
Tyra spoke with a man who is married to a woman and hetero yet performs in gay porn. Tyra expressed that she didn't understand how a hetero man could do that and not be gay.
Anya: if this was a girl on girl situation, no one would even question it.
Cara: its hard for people to view what we do as work. what we do is not sexually who we are.
--------------------------------------
ME: at this point in the event I started to get irritated. The chatter back and forth was on how Tyra was ignorant and discriminatory (to which the packed house applauded). Meanwhile the panel by calling Tyra ignorant showed judgement, which they themselves were accusing the world at large of being towards them AND discrimination? This coming from a panel where all participants were white! There was no visible minority voice on the panel. Also the panel as a whole was biased. It would have been more well rounded had they included people on the panel from the other side of the argument, someone who disagrees with sex work being decriminalized. Besides, kudos to Tyra to respectfully ask questions of her male guest, she was curious and just wanted to know. Isn't that how awareness happens? By asking questions?
Sex Workers Event at WAHC
On February 18th 2010 I attended the "Sex Workers Event" at the Workers Arts & Heritage Centre (WAHC). It was nice to be back (I used to work there). The purpose of the event was awareness and was part of the Labour Lounge Series. Featuring: Performances, Panel Discussion, Films by and about Sex Workers.
Here are my notes from the event: due to the event type, picture taking was not allowed.
Opening performance was by lesbian diva Nancy Rancourt, singing what I believe was an original song about not hating her because she's beautiful and a bitch. She's a petite blonde with a big voice. Best way to describe her voice is kind of Shakira-esque, somewhat nasal but still pretty.
The 2nd performance was by drag performer Jasmine including back up dancers. Do i even have to tell you the song and the dancers were sexually? It was a sex event after all. There were 2 males in white boxers and tanks, and 2 girls in white dresses. umm I am pretty sure I have seen one of the female dancers working in a big chain grocery store in my city.
the event got started with Ms Scream, a sex workers advocate from B.C. She has worked in adult film industry. Her goal is advocating for sex workers rights and to up the health and safety standards for this marginalized group of workers.
She talked about a home she worked in that was somewhat of a halfway house that housed former/current sex workers and trans women. In this "home" the workers were allowed to bring "clients" into the home for "work". She said this allowed improvement in these transitioning women's lives.
sex workers do not have unions, therefore they have little to no access to health benefits, workers comp, sick days, vacation pay, bereavement leave etc..
NOW I HAVE TO JUMP IN AT THIS POINT. I was going to leave all my editorial stuff til the end but i have to jump in and comment at this point. Although I do believe that sex workers shouldn't be treated like scum having benefits is baffling to me. I think if you are going to do a job that is risky at best your benefits should be forfeit and that goes for any risky job except military and law enforcement. Anyways back to the events and I will have more to say at the end.
She said the way Sex workers is treated is a violation of human rights. And there is no help when murder or violence is committed towards sex workers. she talked about a new program in Hamilton for sex workers called Big Susie's.
Short Film and panel discussion: 6 films discussed by 5 people.
----------------------------------------------------
The Panel included:
(1)Ian- affiliate with the Hamilton aids Network
(2)Lime Jello- sex worker activist, educator, writer( I am sorry, I don't like to be mean but I could not stand this girl. I almost left the event early to avoid listening to her)
(3)Cara- in sex trade for 20 years, worked in escort and massage. still active has loyal clientele. Helped with Maggie's in Toronto. (I think she was the most intelligent of the bunch)
(4) Tim- male escort based in T.O. advocate for gay rights. Works to decriminalize sex work.
(5) Anya- works in adult film industry. started at 34 years of age and has been involved with nude modeling as well for 6-7 years.
----------------------------------------------------
When referring to the panel's commentary, I will list the
film #1: issues with stigma: "Sex Workers Are People Too"
talking about getting rid of stereotypes of who sex workers are.
Here are my notes from the event: due to the event type, picture taking was not allowed.
Opening performance was by lesbian diva Nancy Rancourt, singing what I believe was an original song about not hating her because she's beautiful and a bitch. She's a petite blonde with a big voice. Best way to describe her voice is kind of Shakira-esque, somewhat nasal but still pretty.
The 2nd performance was by drag performer Jasmine including back up dancers. Do i even have to tell you the song and the dancers were sexually? It was a sex event after all. There were 2 males in white boxers and tanks, and 2 girls in white dresses. umm I am pretty sure I have seen one of the female dancers working in a big chain grocery store in my city.
the event got started with Ms Scream, a sex workers advocate from B.C. She has worked in adult film industry. Her goal is advocating for sex workers rights and to up the health and safety standards for this marginalized group of workers.
She talked about a home she worked in that was somewhat of a halfway house that housed former/current sex workers and trans women. In this "home" the workers were allowed to bring "clients" into the home for "work". She said this allowed improvement in these transitioning women's lives.
sex workers do not have unions, therefore they have little to no access to health benefits, workers comp, sick days, vacation pay, bereavement leave etc..
NOW I HAVE TO JUMP IN AT THIS POINT. I was going to leave all my editorial stuff til the end but i have to jump in and comment at this point. Although I do believe that sex workers shouldn't be treated like scum having benefits is baffling to me. I think if you are going to do a job that is risky at best your benefits should be forfeit and that goes for any risky job except military and law enforcement. Anyways back to the events and I will have more to say at the end.
She said the way Sex workers is treated is a violation of human rights. And there is no help when murder or violence is committed towards sex workers. she talked about a new program in Hamilton for sex workers called Big Susie's.
Short Film and panel discussion: 6 films discussed by 5 people.
----------------------------------------------------
The Panel included:
(1)Ian- affiliate with the Hamilton aids Network
(2)Lime Jello- sex worker activist, educator, writer( I am sorry, I don't like to be mean but I could not stand this girl. I almost left the event early to avoid listening to her)
(3)Cara- in sex trade for 20 years, worked in escort and massage. still active has loyal clientele. Helped with Maggie's in Toronto. (I think she was the most intelligent of the bunch)
(4) Tim- male escort based in T.O. advocate for gay rights. Works to decriminalize sex work.
(5) Anya- works in adult film industry. started at 34 years of age and has been involved with nude modeling as well for 6-7 years.
----------------------------------------------------
When referring to the panel's commentary, I will list the
film #1: issues with stigma: "Sex Workers Are People Too"
talking about getting rid of stereotypes of who sex workers are.
Friday, January 29, 2010
work on saturday
It should be a crime. Instead of enjoying sleeping in tomorrow, I have to get up early in the a.m. to go in to work for a short shift. It's pretty hard too when they are making some big changes there, that no one is really happy about. well except the higher ups! everyone that used to be a cheerly lot, are all miserable and stressed to the maximus. me included. fuck. Change is always good except when they make too many changes at once. I should be happy and thankful that I at least, have a job! However I can't bring myself to love what I loathe.
I need something new!!!
I need something new!!!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
work killed my blog
work has been crazy hectic. I am hoping that it slows down a bit..
"Be careful what you wish for 'cause you just might get it" (hearing that in my mind)
I have also been spending immeasurable amounts of time planning my upcoming nuptuals and still doing research for my book. So is it any wonder I haven't been able to blog?
I am going to try to at least blog weekly!!! Yes that will be a new year's resolution!!!
It's 2010 and I don't know how to describe it but I have this really great, electric charge kinda felling. Like this is going to be a fantastic year!!! So I hope all of you have a great year as well..
"Be careful what you wish for 'cause you just might get it" (hearing that in my mind)
I have also been spending immeasurable amounts of time planning my upcoming nuptuals and still doing research for my book. So is it any wonder I haven't been able to blog?
I am going to try to at least blog weekly!!! Yes that will be a new year's resolution!!!
It's 2010 and I don't know how to describe it but I have this really great, electric charge kinda felling. Like this is going to be a fantastic year!!! So I hope all of you have a great year as well..
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.JPG)