Dear Please,
One of the reasons groups like Maggie's feel they have to publicly and collectively focus on the positive aspects of sex work, sometimes eclipsing undeniable hardships, is because of the impact of opposing groups. While some of these opposing organizations are also small and independent, laws against solicitation, negative opinions from most religious organizations, awards and accolades from law enforcement and other agencies and relentlessly pessimistic depictions of prostitution in mainstream culture all lend support to their position. When small grassroots prostitute-positive groups have to combat intense prejudice from all sides, it is both difficult and politically unwise for them to be open about the complexities of their work. When you talk to people at places like Maggie's, it's pretty obvious that laments such as yours have been used to encourage dialogue and collect negative data to further the opposing agenda. Being constantly on the lookout for entrapment tactics can also restrict candid opinions.
As sex-worker advocate Jenn Clamen says, "Sadly, this woman is right. People have a hard time acknowledging the difficulties of sex work without judgement, positive or negative. Unfortunately, a lot of sex workers have gotten caught up in a debate that was neither invited nor welcomed, leaving many of them without resources."
Clamen also points out that, "Some sex work projects do not address all of these issues because they are running between trying to eliminate violence and react to all the police brutality. The other resources that people need can usually be found elsewhere, though it's true that there needs to be a sex-work-friendly place to go. Most organizations should have a list of sex-worker-friendly accountants, lawyers, and mom groups." She adds, "I understand that she seeks organizations that aren't necessarily whore-positive and just neutral, but traditionally neutral projects aren't neutral, they are usually abolitionists, or at least teetering on negative views of sex work."
Most organizations run by sex workers, like Maggie's or Montreal's Stella, won't necessarily be judgemental about the fact that you work out of necessity, even if they may be reluctant to discuss it as openly as you might like. After all, as Clamen says, "Most jobs are out of necessity, and are maintained for survival."
She suggests www.escortsupport.com, as a support network for higher income sex workers. "Of course, as an online support group, this doesn't offer all kinds of support that people need but it's a chance to liaise with other escorts. My advice? Put out a call to all sex workers who want to talk about the issues that matter to you. If the issues are about how sucky the job is, and how it shouldn't exist, try the abolitionists. If it's about getting support around the psychological and physical difficulties, this isn't something that most sex work projects will deny. In fact, most of the services are built around this very notion and were brought into existence because of that reality."
Something that may be of great interest to you is the annual conference and festival the Montreal Coalition for the Rights of Sex Workers is putting on in mid-June. They host sex workers and activists from around the world, who speak on a variety of work-related issues, screen films and hold a few parties and cabarets so you can mingle and talk openly with your peeps. The Coalition is still fine-tuning the schedule, but you can get the most current information at 859-9009, or by e-mailing lacoalition2000@yahoo.com. The Web site is www.lacoalitionmontreal.com.
