I have given birth to my first blog!! I have NO IDEA how to even begin a blog, and it's way past my bedtime, but I am feeling inspired. I will post much more information in coming days. Simply put: this blog will be a space for my ideas, a platform in order to reach and educate others, and hopefully create some change in Connecticut (yes, I am aware that these are lofty goals!). It is my understanding that there is a growing anti-trafficking movement in CT, aimed to target prostitution as well as the backpage escort ads that are posted in The Advocate. Let me be clear; I am firmly against human trafficking, sex slavery, and the exploitation of minors. However, I think that the abolitionists of CT are lumping two different issues into the same category. An adult woman who CHOOSES to engage in sex work (Yes, perhaps a prostitute..gasp!) is NOT the same as a 14 year old girl who has been forced into sex slavery. Let's please stop assuming that all sex workers are coerced, miserable, and degraded. This is a common myth. Modern prostitution is much like abortion, before abortion was legalized: It may be illegal, BUT IT'S STILL GOING TO HAPPEN. The legalization of prostitution would give sex workers the same rights as other workers, including ability to prosecute rapists. If it were legal, sex workers could be regularly tested, thus reducing the spread of STDs and HIV. It could be regulated, and violence against sex workers would decrease. Just take a look at Nevada....
Let's put our moral judgements aside. A woman owns her genitals, and should have the right to do with them as she pleases, just like she owns her reproductive organs. I am a sex worker advocate, and this does NOT mean that I support human trafficking. I just support women, and non-violence.
Here is a great resource to check out: http://www.swopusa.org/
I am currently in the process of beginning a SWOP (Sex Workers Outreach Project) chapter in Connecticut. Please let me know if you are interested in joining.
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