This summer, Decriminalize Sex Work (DSW) Director of Strategic Partnerships Crystal DeBoise brought powerful insight, direct service expertise, and policy knowledge to three major platforms where legal, academic, and social work professionals and advocates gathered to discuss some of the most pressing social justice issues of our time.
From national conferences to tech-hosted educational panels, DeBoise’s voice is helping to shape the conversation around sex work decriminalization, anti-trafficking policy, and the intersection of law, ethics, and public health.
NASW National Conference – Chicago | June 17
DeBoise presented a one-hour talk at the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Conference in Chicago on June 17. NASW is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, committed to advancing social justice and advocating for the dignity and worth of all people.
Her presentation focused on how the decriminalization of consensual adult sex work aligns with core social work values including harm reduction, self-determination, and equity. Social workers from across the U.S. participated in a collaborative discussion about how criminalization undermines access to care, contributes to systemic oppression, and perpetuates stigma.
DeBoise emphasized that supporting decriminalization is not only consistent with social work ethics but essential to fulfilling the profession's commitment to evidence-based, client-centered practice.
Law and Society Association (LSA) Annual Meeting – Chicago | May 22
DeBoise was also a guest speaker at the Law and Society Association’s Annual Meeting, a premier academic conference that brings together scholars and practitioners from across disciplines to explore the intersection of law, culture, and society.
Her talk addressed the current legal landscape for sex work and anti-trafficking laws in the United States, highlighting how well-meaning policies often produce unintended harm for the very people they are meant to protect. Drawing from both legal research and direct service experience, DeBoise discussed emerging trends in legislation, the influence of carceral feminism, and opportunities for legal reform rooted in human rights and public health frameworks.
Aylo Virtual Panel – May 29
DeBoise participated in a virtual panel hosted by Aylo, a global tech company behind major adult content platforms such as Pornhub, Brazzers, and YouPorn. This event was the first in Aylo’s new educational series focused on critical conversations surrounding sex work, safety, and social policy.
Panel Topic: What is the difference between sex work and sex trafficking?
The discussion unpacked generations of stigma and explored how anti-trafficking laws are often weaponized against consensual sex workers. The panel, which included survivors of trafficking and other sex worker rights advocates, highlighted the urgent need to separate consensual adult sex work from trafficking narratives, and to implement policy solutions that center those most directly impacted.
Aylo describes itself as a tech pioneer committed to providing safe, inclusive online environments and fostering diversity, expression, and trust. This panel marked a notable collaboration between platform stakeholders and advocates working to advance nuanced, evidence-based education around sex work and safety.
DSW’s participation in these high-profile conversations reflects a growing national recognition that criminalization is not care, and punishment is not protection. Whether addressing lawmakers, social workers, scholars, or tech leaders, the message is consistent: we must move toward legal and social systems that respect the rights and autonomy of sex workers, and that truly support survivors of exploitation.
