Sex Worker Solidarity

A Greater Toronto Workers' Assembly Coffeehouse

March 4, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Free

Beit Zatoun, 612 Markham Street (Bathurst Station) 

Wheelchair accessible space. Unfortunately the washrooms are not accessible.

Panellists: Kathryn Payne, Keisha Scott, Phoenix Kat, Kyisha Williams and Victoria Love

Moderator: Emily van der Meulen

This discussion will address how acting in solidarity with sex worker rights organizations, and supporting sex workers in their efforts to improve their working conditions and end criminalization, are important in the movement towards expanding labour rights for all. 

Sex workers in Toronto have been organizing for improved labour and social rights for over 30 years.  And yet, we have witnessed an intensification of criminal law sanctions against sex workers' labour activities since the mid-1980s. 

Despite their ongoing efforts to change social views, sex-work continues to be seen by many as illegitimate, dangerous, exploitive, and valueless.  Sex workers have identified criminalization, and its resulting stigma and discrimination, as central to the problems they face. 

Therefore, labour organizing for better protections is inseparable from the fight for decriminalization.