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.
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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.
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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.