In 2003, SWOP-USA founders Stacey Swimme and Robyn Few teamed up with Dr. Annie Sprinkle to mark December 17 “International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.” Prompted by the heinous murders of sex workers by the Green River Killer, they decided December 17 should be commemorated annually to mourn sex workers lost to violence and call attention to hate crimes and violence committed against sex workers.
Dr. Sprinkle wrote, “Violent crimes against sex workers go underreported, unaddressed and unpunished. There really are people who don't care when prostitutes are victims of hate crimes, beaten, raped, and murdered. No matter what you think about sex workers and the politics surrounding them, sex workers are a part of our neighborhoods, communities and families.”
For 21 years, sex workers and their communities have come together on December 17 to honor the lives of those lost to violence while also celebrating the resilience and brilliance of sex workers worldwide. Following is a compilation of events happening across the country in honor of International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.
New York
Decriminalize Sex Work, in collaboration with Red Canary Song, Equality New York, Soar Institute, GLITS, Bridges 4 Life, Trans Equity, and New York Transgender Advocacy Group, is hosting an event for sex workers and advocates at McCarren Parkhouse (855 Lorimer Street) on December 17 from 9pm-12am.
California
Lotus Lain and Ashley Manta are hosting an evening of connection, empowerment, and advocacy in honor of D17 on December 12 from 7pm-9pm at 439 North Fairfax Ave in West Hollywood.
SWOP LA and SWANS are hosting a supply drive to support their monthly strolls for street based SWers and care packs for abortion care. Donations can be dropped off to Cash Machine (3207 Glendale Blvd) from 1-5pm December 15-17 and Heavy Manners Library (1200 N Alvarado St) 11am-7pm December 13-16. Find their wishlist of supplies on Instagram @swopla and @swoplaswans.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas Red Umbrella Collective is hosting a free self defense class for sex workers on December 17 at 6:30pm. Email [email protected] to RSVP.
Miami
Decrim 305 is hosting their 5th annual Slut Walk in Miami on December 14 at 5pm at South Pointe Park. More details and registration on Eventbrite.
Atlanta
Red Light District by TW!O is hosting a number of events on December 14 including a tree planting ceremony, rock garden party, luncheon, and screening at South Bend Park. This event is open to all advocates and free tickets can be reserved on Eventbrite.
Red Light District by TW!O is also hosting a day of healing exclusively for sex workers on December 17 from 6-8pm. DM them on Instagram @redlightdistrictbytwo to register.
Washington, D.C.
SWAC DC is hosting an Art Showcase fundraiser at the Human Rights Campaign (1640 Rhode Island Ave NW) on December 17 from 5-8pm.
Texas
SWEET ATX is hosting a sex worker wellness day on December 15 from 4-8pm in Austin, TX exclusively for sex workers. To register DM @sweet_atx on Instagram.
Minnesota
SWOP MPLS is hosting a candlelight vigil on December 17 at 7pm at 2110 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis. This event is open to sex workers, allies, and advocates and they ask that you please bring flowers.
Oregon
OSWC Committee is hosting a community care day on Sunday December 15 from 11am-3pm including esthetician services, a tattoo artist, a tarot reader, and clothing swap. DM @oswcgroup on Instagram or email [email protected] for more information.
Virtual
Trans Equity’s Victoria Von Blaque is hosting a conversation with Ze R., Lexii Foxx, Eli Daniel, and J Leigh Oshiro-Brantly on December 17 at 4:30EST. You can register at tinyurl.com/IDEVASW24
The Erotic Laborers Alliance of New England is hosting a virtual vigil on December 17 at noon EST. Email [email protected] for details.
