International Day To End Violence Against Sex Workers

susi

Sassy Strumpette
Jun 27, 2008
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@the Meat Market!!!lol
http://www.firstadvocates.org/events/international-day-end-violence-against-sex-workers

International Day To End Violence Against Sex Workers
Thursday December 17th, 2009, 6:30pm

Vancouver Art Gallery, Robson Street Side!

Join us as we march with red umbrellas, adopted in 2002 by Venetian sex workers for an anti-violence march, symbolizing resistance against discrimination for sex workers worldwide.

We will be raising awareness about violence against sex workers and the organizations that support us by distributing materials amongst holiday shoppers on Robson Street. Fancy dress and festively decorated red umbrellas are definitely encouraged!

Also, please bring donations of umbrellas
and high-heel shoes to the event to give to the MAP van
(Mobile Access Project providing services to women working on the street).

The march will be followed by a gathering at the
Lennox Pub/Restaurant (corner of Robson & Granville).

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!
 

edmontonsubbie

Edmontonsubbie
Apr 22, 2006
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uh...Edmonton.
Why do you do this? I don't mean that in an accusatory fashion, I am just asking. To be blunt, I admire that you have found a cause that you are willing to put yourself out for....goodness knows there are hundreds of causes that need championed. You have chosen one (perhaps three or more, I could not know) and you champion it effectively and within the correct media space (i.e. perb to name one only). I enjoy your posts....even when they hit strident levels to which I...as a mild mannered member of the general public....find difficulty in identifying with. Stridency is needed in the face of silence.

Having said that, it's not that I disagree with your message....nor your method of delivery. I admire both, and am grateful that you are willing to do this. It makes me feel less worthy knowing that I have no "cause" that I champion beyond my own personal survival and the survival of those who depend on that. I need to be "wronged" grievously....and that's not happened....for which, I am grateful. I accept and enjoy the things that life has tossed.

Thank you for your positive and interesting contributions. I will not attend. I have only one umbrella and it is black.

most respectfully,

eddie.
 
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susi

Sassy Strumpette
Jun 27, 2008
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@the Meat Market!!!lol
for me,edmontonsubbie- i do it because i feel like i must do something....i have no children, my family already know what i do so i have nothing to loose.

it stems from 23 years in the industry and my experiences with violence and systematic failures to protect us.

in my work around post traumatic stress disorder i also learned that one of the symtoms is an overwhelming obbsession with changing conditions that allowed trauma to occur... dang it!!

in the end, i could not in good conscience sit by and allow other workers to "sink or swim" in this industry. i have seen it from all sides. we must do something if we are ever going to see a stabilization for everyone in the sex industry...including pooners who get robbed and extorted.

if we do nothing and wait for the government/ society at large to decide what to do, it will mean a disaster for all of us. with the laws coming down we really have an opportunity to force these systems to include us in any decisions that may affect our lives and safety.

thank you for your support it's always nice to hear people appreciate my posts!

i understnad if people aren't coming out tonight, but if you see me don't be afraid to come up and say hi!!

love susie
 

susi

Sassy Strumpette
Jun 27, 2008
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@the Meat Market!!!lol
sorry, i've been a bit busy!!in victoria.....

> A fine march, fine weather and fine speeches, organized by
> PEERS. The Mayor of Victoria was part of the march and read the
> following proclamation on the steps of the legislature. Hopefully
> someone will post photos. It may also be on the news.
>
> RED UMBRELLA DAY
> THE DAY TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST SEX WORKERS
>
> WHEREAS all human beings have the right to freedom from
> personalized violence, discrimination and stigma and should not be
> subjected to breaches of these rights based on their profession; and
>
> WHEREAS Sex Workers are targeted victims of these breaches as a
> matter of course, and stigma and existing laws prevent sex workers
> from accessing services, reporting violence, and bringing
> perpetrators to justice; and
>
> WHEREAS the quality and safety of Sex Worker's lives, and of their
> dependents and extended families depends on community awareness of
> the issues surrounding Sex Work, and on the availability of support,
> recovery and exiting services; and
>
> WHEREAS a commitment to end the assault, battery, rape, murder and
> marginalization of Sex Workers will ensure the continuing
> availability of these services, and help improve the quality of life
> for everyone, while making our community stronger and more stable; and
>
> WHEREAS awareness of the issues and support for Sex Workers and
> support services begins at the local level.
>
> NOW, THEREFORE I do hereby proclaim the day of December 17th, 2009
> as "Red Umbrella Day - The Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers"
> in the CITY OF VICTORIA, CAPITAL CITY of the PROVINCE of BRITISH COLUMBIA.
>
> IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand this 10th day of
> December, Two Thousand and Nine.


in vancouver......

i want to thank everyone who came out to the march that night. member of parliament libby davis was in attendance and it was a pretty good turn out!

we started off with a little statement on the art gallery steps and then we walked up robson and gave out awareness materials to holiday shoppers.

i have to say, it is probably the last year i will dress up that way...as i was getting ready i was thinking....am i crazy?i am getting to old for corsettes and thigh boots!!!lol

i wish i had left all the umbrellas at home and worn appropriate foot wear. i had so much to carry i feel as if i cut us short. sorry everyone. i am in denial of my aging bady....dang it!!

our mayor is a supporter and was in copenhagen that night. i have meet him a few times and believe he will see us through some local changes in vancouver. city council unanimously passed a motion demanding a public inquiry into the case of the missing women.

some of us were talking about it, and it's a pretty tough time of year for an event so i was happy with the way it went. we have the left over materials for next year.

thanks again everyone, it was nice to see you all.
 

edmontonsubbie

Edmontonsubbie
Apr 22, 2006
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uh...Edmonton.
wow...

...I stand...well, actually sit...in awe. Let's just recap what you have done. A mayor has issued a proclamation declaring your red umbrella's as emblematic of a date in time...this will recur annually and is not likely to be revoked. So...well done.

Some people plant a tree or two, some people start wars, some people change things, and most people have children to remember themselves by. I am in awe always of those that take the less selfish route of changing things, promoting things, arguing things. In spite of common perception, I have a great deal of respect for the law and those that practice it. We have a means to change things and, for that, I am grateful. All we need are the advocates....the lawyers will ensure the cause is brought round to something the society at large can live with. I wish I could effect such change....but, that's not part of my training.

I will be happy to smile and share a drink with those who care enough to cry foul...and with those that are competent in the law to ensure that the cry does not go unheard 24 hours after it is uttered.

I love those whackjob friends....they believe in the impossible....they surely must be stupid...

kindest,

edwierdo.
 

Cookies N Scream

Cookies N Scream
Dec 14, 2009
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It was a great night Susie! You didn't hold us back! We all had lots to carry but I think people who read the handouts learned something. I never dress up for outdoor events...so you shoudn't feel obligated. xo
 

treveller

Member
Sep 22, 2008
627
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Random Comments

Just some general comments about activism.

"a mild mannered member of the general public"

If what you see going on around you doesn't make you angry then you just arn't paying attention. :cool:

"a stabilization for everyone in the sex industry...including pooners who get robbed and extorted."

I expect there are also many potential pooners who are missing out on activities that would make them healthier and happier men.

Sorry I missed the corsettes and thigh boots!!!lol We will have to attend to that in the future.

"respect for the law and those that practice it"

We need to make a distinction between the rule of law, which is desireable, and the individual laws we have which deserve contempt. Also, the people who make the laws seem to have the least respect for the rule of law.

"that's not part of my training."

You don't need training. If there is something you want to change you can sometimes be amazed by how little effort it takes to make great changes. Even when you don't get the changes you want, everything that anyone does has some effect.
 
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