FROM Sex Workers Outreach Project- Philly:

Contact: [email protected]
swop-philly.com

December 17th, 2014—“Remembering Sex Workers”

On Wednesday, December 17, SWOP-Philly will be hosting a memorial and film screening to commemorate the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.  An interactive commemoration wall, speakers and a screening of A Kiss for Gabriela will address the impact of violence and criminalization on sex workers around the globe.  The event will run from 6:30 to 9:30 at the William Way Center, 1315 Spruce Street. Brothers on a Budget will be catering the event.

SWOP-USA started the Day to End Violence in 2003 to honor and remember the victims of Gary Ridgway, the Green River Killer, who murdered at least 48 individuals in the sex trades. Since 2003, organizations and individuals around the world stage actions and hold vigils annually to call for an end to violence against sex workers. The events also work to bring communities together to recognize and address the multiple forms of violence that sex workers face.  

The violence committed against sex workers occurs in a broader context of transphobia, racism, stigma, criminalization of sex work and drug use, xenophobia and police brutality and indifference.  For the majority of victims, violence against sex worker also means violence against transwomen, individuals of color, substance users and immigrants.  

The SWOP Philly event is free and open to the public.  We invite sex workers, allies, family and friends to join us in remembering the lives of those who have passed and honor the resilience and struggle of all who are involved in the sex trades.  

During the first half of the evening, we will be inviting attendees to share stories, memories and experiences of individuals in the sex trades who have faced violence.  We also invite attendees to bring photos, items, cards or stories to post on the shout out wall to commemorate a victim of violence or celebrate moments of resistance.  Speakers will discuss the multiple forms of violence that sex workers face in Philadelphia and how these experiences connect to broader struggles for social justice.  

During the second half of the event, we will be screening A Kiss for Gabriela, by filmmaker Laura Murray. Gabriela Leite was the first sex worker to run for the Brazilian Congress. The documentary tells the story of her 2010 campaign as she faced 822 opponents and challenged a male-dominated political system.
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Sex Workers Outreach Project- Philadelphia [SWOP-Philly] is a grassroots collective a collective of sex workers and allies committed to ending stigma and violence towards those in the sex trades.  
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More information on December 17th can be found at:
http://www.december17.or