Sex Workers Event Feb.18, 7pm Hamilton ONT

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SEX WORKERS EVENT

A very rare opportunity to hear local Sex Workers speak in their

own voices about the work that they do.

 

Happening Thursday February 18th, at

The Workers Arts and Heritage Centre

51 Stuart Street Hamilton Ontario

Doors open at 7 p.m.

Cost is FREE!

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Part of the Labour Lounge Series

Featuring: Performances, Panel Discussion, Films

by and about Sex Workers.

Don't miss out on the fun everyone is welcome!

 

WHAT WILL BE HAPPENING:

We'll be screening a series of short films by and about Sex Workers and the sex industry. We'll also be having a panel discussion featuring a range of local Sex Workers who represent a cross section of the sex industry and come from different backgrounds, genders and sexualities. The panel will focus on subjects like; working conditions, legal issues, stigmatization and stereotyping, health and poverty. It will be followed up by an audience question and answer period.

There will also be several live performances by local super star Drag Queen Jasmine, Lesbian Music Dive Nancy Rancourt and Burlesque dancer Demonica de Morte (a.k.a Hell on Heels).

Several social service providers will be in attendance and will have information tables and displays.

Plus there will be lots of good free food and a cash bar!

 

PURPOSE OF THE EVENT:

The main focus of the night is to empower Sex Workers to speak in their own voices and to create a safe sex positive atmosphere were people can learn from each other and share in our common experiences. It's rare that events like this happen in Hamilton. Often other people such as academic, journalists and social service providers without any experience in the sex industry speak for Sex Workers and sometimes they don't always get things right despite their good intentions.

 

WHOSE SUPPORTING THIS PROJECT:

This project is being sponsored by The Workers Arts and Heritage Centre and Hamilton Artists Inc.

with additional support from The Hamilton AIDS Network, The Well (LGBTQ Health and Wellness Centre) and

SACHA - Sexual Assault Centre of Hamilton and Area.

 

WHAT OUTREACH HAS BEEN DONE;

Small business cards have been created to advertise the event one side with the other side listing a series of important numbers of services that can help and assist Sex Workers. These cards are being distributed through out the city by arrange of different agencies including; Van Needle Exchange Program, Public Health, The Elizabeth Fry Societies S.T.A.R.S. program, SACHA - The Sexual Assault Centre of Hamilton and Area, The Hamilton AIDS Network and The Well (Hamilton's LGBTQ health and wellness centre), The Sky Dragon Centre plus local Medical and STD clinics. Ads in local newspapers and magazines where Sex Workers advertise will also be appearing in the next few weeks.

 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS EVENT:

Anyone with an interest in Sex Work and the Sex Industry. This includes the general public, educators, academics, social service providers and of course Sex Workers of all genders and sexualities. Everyone is welcome!

 

OTHER GOALS:

A group of local Sex Workers and activists have come together to form begin a project called BIG SUSIE'S. The goal of BIg Susie's is to create an organization of and for sex workers that can provide advocacy and information on labour-related issues, similar to Maggie's in Toronto (http://www.maggiestoronto.com). Big Susie's would be focused on advocating for the rights of Sex Workers, doing education, outreach, peer to peer counseling and providing support systems resources services. It would be run by Sex Workers for Sex Workers. Further details about this project will be discussed on the night of the event and people with interest in this project are encouraged to contact [email protected] for details.

 

FOR FUTURE LABOUR LOUNGE EVENTS AND INFORMATION CONTACT:

Andrew Lochhead Tel. 905-522-3003 Ext. 22 Email: [email protected]

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Ian Jarvis Tel. 905-529-1544 Email: [email protected]

 

FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE EVENT CONTACT OR BIG SUSIE'S CONTACT:

[email protected]