• Skip to content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • News
    • Current Events
    • Social Media
  • Culture
    • Recomendaciones de Funk
    • Books
      • Literature
      • Non-Fiction
    • Art
    • Films
      • Historical Films
      • Literature on Film
    • Music
  • Funkademics
    • Writing Style
    • Scholarships
    • Fellowships
    • Teaching Awards
    • CFP
  • #SaturdaySchool
    • Cultural Studies
    • Teaching Tolerance
    • Eco-Matters
  • About Us
    • Ragsdale & Puente
    • Funk & Beans Contributing Editor: Blake Ellis, PhD
    • Funk & Beans Contributing Editor: Jen Bryan
    • Funk & Beans: Guest Bloggers
      • Lisa Ragsdale, Poet Laureate
    • Services
  • Kissindre Grace
  • Funk N Beans Digital

Funk & Beans

Artists - Activists - Scholars

  • Artists – Activists – Scholars
You are here: Home / #SaturdaySchool / #SaturdaySchool: Human & Labor Rights of Sex Workers

#SaturdaySchool: Human & Labor Rights of Sex Workers

August 17, 2012 By Jaime Puente Leave a Comment

Sex Workers Rights = Human Rights
Photo Via the World Aids Campaign

This edition of #SaturdaySchool centered on the human and labor rights of sex workers. This discussion provided a critical examination of sex work as a legitimate form of labor. Joining @ProfRagsdale here is @WindyBayou (Tynisha Scott) a Phd student in African Diasporas and American Studies at the University of Texas at Austin.

 

#SaturdaySchool: Labor, Human Rights, and Sex Workers

Each week @ProfRagsdale gathers loyal followers around the twitter hearth to spread knowledge, build community, and create change. This week’s co-host is @windybayou Phd student at the University of Texas at Austin. (August 16, 2012)

Storified by FunkNBeans · Thu, Aug 16 2012 18:24:35

#SaturdaySchool is an information Sat chat addressing a variety of topics – here r some past chats –>> http://funknbeans.com/category/funkademics/saturdayschool/Rhonda Ragsdale
2day’s #SaturdaySchool chat is yet another look at labor & human rights – this week it’s about sex workersRhonda Ragsdale
2 get started w #SaturdaySchool I wanna mention how I started studying sex work, introduce cohost & review what we ARENT arguingRhonda Ragsdale
At TX Woman’s U as undergrad studying women’s history, I realized sex workers were part of every stage n history #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Every stage of my #highered has included sex workers in some way – but I realized quickly they werent just women #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
#SaturdaySchool starts now! Follow the hashtag or @profragsdale or myself and join in! We’re discussing sex worker’s rights.Tynisha
In all my coursework & readings, sex workers were never part of labor or human rights histories – only women’s #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@profragsdale #SaturdaySchool yup. I did several research papers in college a/b male sex workers.TheNYGalavant
2day we discuss sex workers & rights we r joined by @windybayou scholar of women & gender, recent UT grad degree #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Please follow Tynisha Scott @windybayou & #SaturdaySchool hashtag 2 join in this chat about sex workers & rightsRhonda Ragsdale
@windybayou is starting linked program n African&African Diaspora Studies & American Studies(PhD)this fall at UT #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
So … now u know what we will be discussing – lemme tell u what we are NOT arguing #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
We r not arguing that sex work is or is not glamorous or trying 2 recruit sex workers #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
We r not arguing that children or any1 who doesnt consent 2 sex work should b left unprotected from forced labor #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@windybayou @profragsdale Are sex workers at all organized, in the same way as a union or an association?DeeHasChalk
@DeeHasChalk @windybayou That’s a great question – follow the #SaturdaySchool hashtag & we will get to that very soon – thank u!Rhonda Ragsdale
Good morning @windybayou – thank u so much 4 joining us 4 #SaturdaySchool & this important chat about sex workers & rightsRhonda Ragsdale
@windybayou Is there anything else u would like 2 note that we r NOT arguing 2day? #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
.@profragsdale Thanks for having me! I’m always interested in #SaturdaySchool topics and am really excited about today’s chat.Tynisha
Also, I think it’s important ppl remain respectful when discussing sex workers even if they disagree w/ their labor. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
RT @windybayou: .@profragsdale We aren’t arguing about the self-esteem or emotional status of sex workers. Motivations come in many forms. #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@windybayou It’s interesting-I rarely(never?) hear any1 argue about self-esteem of folks who choose other work #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
.@profragsdale With sexual labor ppl often assume self-esteem issues in workers b/c it doesn’t conform w/ heteronormative ideas about sex.Tynisha
@windybayou I absolutely agree & believe sex workers should be given no less respect than other laborers #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Since we’ve outlined what we aren’t arguing 2day let’s try 2 come 2 common understanding of terms n this chat #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@windybayou What is sex work? — Not just street walkers & call girls! #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
.@profragsdale Sex work is a form of labor where a person performs a sexual task for compensation. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
Types of sex work can include pornography, stripping, pro-dominatrix, erotic massage, phone sex, and more. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
Expression sex work is oldest profession, many ancient cultures called women who earned their own $ prostitutes #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@windybayou Sex work may or may not involve physical contact or even ‘sex’ at all #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@profragsdale Exactly. Though there’s some debate about what counts as sex work. @furrygirl offers a good distinction. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
The ancient word meretrix which came 2 mean sex worker started as "women who earns her own money" #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Some people have trouble believing or understanding that any1 can consent 2 sex work despite their claims #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
.@furrygirl argues sex workers are distinct from others who labor in sex industry (i.e. photographers, directors, etc.). #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
@windybayou Do u think we need 2 understand y some choose sex work n order 2 support their rights? #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Few seem 2debate y 1 would consent 2 dig ditches/change adult diapers n nursing home but sex workers r different #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
.@profragsdale Often efforts 2 understand y lead some 2 try & persuade ppl out of sex work instead of supporting rights. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
@profragsdale Exactly. Sex work is another form of intimate labor b/c it sometimes involves touch & closeness b/w persons #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
.@profragsdale For some sex workers, their labor can be as emotionally invested as ppl in other labors. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
Let’s also draw a clear line between sex work & trafficking or child labor which is NEVER ok #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
The insertion of sex really seems to be what makes ppl so uncomfortable about sex work b/c of how we culturally view sex. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
.The difference b/w sex work and trafficking is a question of volition. Sex work specifically involves sexual labors. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
Trafficking involves forced sexual labor but can involve other forms of forced labor as well. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
Unfortunately when ppl advocate against human trafficking they often only mention sex trafficking & conflate w/ sex work. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
Doing this tends to ignore reality that large # of ppl trafficked are forced to do variety of labors (i.e. manufacturing) #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
Some anti-trafficking ppl use stories about women & girls 2 push against sex work activism ghettoizing experiences of both. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
There ARE victims of human trafficking. But this fact shouldn’t be a strike against sex worker rights. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
.@LauraAgustin’s most recent book "Sex at the Margins" addresses common myths about sex work and trafficking. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
@windybayou how can we protect sex worker’s rights & denounce sex trafficking at same time? Or can we? #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@windybayou I’m wondering if these issues should be kept far away from each other or dealt w together? #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
.@profragsdale Great question. The answer will vary I think but I think there’s a way to address & not conflate both. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
.@UJCSexWorkers wrote a briefing on the problems w/ conflating sex work & trafficking: http://www.sexworkersproject.org/media-toolkit/downloads/20070330-BriefingPaperOnConflationOfTraffickingAndSexWork.pdf #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
One key point ppl often miss is how the conflation of sex work & trafficking are linked by politicized sex panics. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
Why do we criminalize children 4 sex work who can’t legally consent 2 sex or labor? #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Such sex panics are raised by a number of groups including segments of the feminist community. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
When I explored historiography of sex work I realized almost entirely been dealt w as a vice & not as labor #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
wouldn’t regulating sex work as legit labor reduce the potential for dangerous work conditions? @windybayou @profragsdale #SaturdaySchoolBrownboyrocks
.@profragsdale This brings up a big paradox b/c the narrative of trafficking is often based on defenseless women & children. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
Fab book! I’ve Got to Make My Livin’: Black Women’s Sex Work in Turn-of-the-Century Chicago by Cynthia Blair #SaturdaySchool #readinglistHappyBrownGirl
Yet victims of trafficking are often subject to anti-prostitution laws enacted under the guide of protection. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
Such protectionism is rooted in sexist beliefs that women can’t responsibly care for themselves & are easy prey. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
@windybayou Can u recommend resources on the topic of sex work? #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
This belief also excludes the experiences of men & trans ppl. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
.@profragsdale @LauraAgustin’s "Sex at the Margins." Other academic texts include E. Bernstein’s "Temporaily Yours" #SaturdaySchool…Tynisha
Cop 2 Call Girl: Why I Left LAPD 2 Make an Honest Living As a Beverly Hills Prostitute http://www.amazon.com/dp/0671794256/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_2LNjqb0VXE53N #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
.For a broader look at sex workers, see Kampadoo and Doezema’s "Global Sex Workers" #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
Some online resources for people looking for basic information can be found on a number of sex worker rights websites. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
Sex Workers, Activists, Allies, & You (SWAAY) has a great concise history of the sex worker advocacy: http://www.swaay.org/history.html #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
"@thatgirlmystic: RT @profragsdale: Why do we criminalize children 4 sex work who can’t legally consent 2 sex or labor? #SaturdaySchool"laviyah
Interesting note about SWAAY, they raised $ for billboard about sex workers rights but were turned away by many companies #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
Those companies included ppl who ran those controversial "black woman womb=dangerous" last year. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
Other online resources include: Sex Workers Project @UJCSexWorkers provide resources for sex workers & trafficking victims. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
There’s also the Sex Workers Outreach Project (@swopusa) – http://www.swopusa.org #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
For sex worker allies, @SWOPChicago has a great guide to being an ally: http://redlightchicago.wordpress.com/how-to-be-an-ally-to-sex-workers/ #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
@windybayou What can activists do 2 promote the human& labor rights of sex workers? #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Does criminalization of sex work make the problems associated w it worse? @windybayou #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
. @profragsdale @windybayou I appreciate that the convo is much broader when ‘s e x workers’ is not only prostitutes. #SaturdaySchoolmystic
. @profragsdale @windybayou hard area because we say people can’t sell people unless it’s sex or adoption. It’s very layered #SaturdaySchoolmystic
@thatgirlmystic @profragsdale Exactly. But anti-sex work advocates often reduce convo to violence against women. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
From research I’ve seen there r at least as many male sex workers as female – have u seen evidence of this? @windybayou #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
.One should protest against local laws & ordinances that criminalize or penalize sex workers of any form. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
.Though some sex work is illegal, activists should educate themselves on how such laws hurt rather than "help" all #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
@profragsdale NV just opened up its brothels to males. Kit Kat Ranch in particular is the first. #saturdayschoolAngelaRaeBrooks
Bills designed to stop trafficking/prostitution often make it harder for victims to seek help & sex workers to work safely. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
.I’ve seen evidence of this in more recent anthologies of sex worker stories & at protests for sex worker rights. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
Just curious – why do we say sex workers sell their bodies but not manual laborers or professional athletes? #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Activists must always insist that sex work be recognized as labor & not a "perverse affliction" or other pejorative terms. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
@windybayou Can u address the problems connected to using terms 4 sex workers 2 insult people? #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Sex workers are subject to discrimination which is more dangerous b/c they don’t have legal protections of other laborers. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
Lovin’ #SaturdaySchool tweets from @windybayou about discrimination against sex workers + raising awareness. Thank you!Sarah Dropek
@Dropek @windybayou Thank u — please add 2 the discussion – we would love your input! #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
.Media discussions often use words designed to shame all women (like slut, whore, skank) when talking about sex workers. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
Though some sex workers reclaim these words, others do not & one should never assume it’s ok to address them in that way. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
If unsure of how to address a sex worker, use the name given when they introduce themselves. Manners are always in style. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
Houston Mayor Parker & Ellen Cohen support "pole tax" which taxes sex workers customers 2 pay 4 rape kits #problematic #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Im troubled by connecting sex workers 2 sex crimes & am ashamed that Parker & Cohen have taken this stance #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Troubling –>> Houston Strip Clubs Hit by New ‘Pole Tax’ – http://WSJ.com http://on.wsj.com/NOE5Gv via @WSJ #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@profragsdale especially considering how many crimes are committed against sex workers. #SaturdaySchoolMelonie Fullick
@windybayou Were u aware of Cohen & Parker’s campaign 2 make strip bar customers pay 4 rape kits n #Houston ? #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
INFURIATING MT @profragsdale Troubling > Houston Strip Clubs Hit by New ‘Pole Tax’ http://WSJ.com http://on.wsj.com/NOE5Gv #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
.@profragsdale Learned of it while visiting this summer. It was upsetting b/c cost will be pushed onto strippers. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
.@profragsdale I was infuriated b/c they’re penalizing local sex industry for yrs of ineptness & negligence by HPD Crime Lab #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
@windybayou I sent messages 2 staff of Parker & Cohen & they did not respond at all #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
.@profragsdale I imagine they wouldn’t b/c they don’t want to look like they support oppressing women. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
@windybayou And it promotes the idea that sex work & sex crimes such as rape r connected #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@windybayou I searched & couldnt find that any1 had publicly stood up 2 this connection of sex workers & rape #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
.@profragsdale Though Cohen based ordinance on faulty study it doesn’t deter those who feverishly believe sex work is wrong. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
The capitalistic "why would anyone *choose* to do that" maintains discriminatory thoughts. How can we change that? #SaturdaySchoolSarah Dropek
.@profragsdale Here’s my piece on the criminalization of sex work across Africa, lists advocacy orgs http://thesojournerproject.wordpress.com/2011/05/19/securing-the-rights-and-protections-of-africas-sex-workers/ #SaturdaySchoolA. Marie
.@profragsdale I was also once quite involved in anti-#trafficking work, lemme find some relevant links… #SaturdaySchoolA. Marie
Many societies thru time have actually promoted the idea that sex workers lower sex crimes #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@profragsdale @windybayou Do you have any info/comments on countries or areas where sex work is legal/regulated? #SaturdaySchoolMelonie Fullick
SWOP Sex Workers Outreach Project http://www.swopusa.org/ #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
North American Task Force On Prostitution http://www.bayswan.org/NTFP.html #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
COYOTE = Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics http://www.coyotela.org/what_is.html | http://www.bayswan.org/coyote.html #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
International Union of Sex Workers http://www.iusw.org/ #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
Book Rec: Sex Work: Writings by Women in the Sex Industry http://www.amazon.com/dp/1573440426/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_6GOjqb1HYMX96 #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Working Sex: Sex Workers Write About a Changing Industry http://www.amazon.com/dp/1580052258/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_jIOjqb14NGF41 #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Book Rec –> Whores & Other Feminists http://www.amazon.com/dp/0415918227/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_mJOjqb0M1GZED #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Desiree Alliance http://www.desireealliance.org/ is another good resource. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
Another thought about supporting sex worker rights: Don’t minimalize violence sex workers suffer as a "hazard" of the job. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
No one deserves to be attack/killed b/c of their labor. It’s akin to rape apologists saying victim invited attacker. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
@windybayou Excellent point – laborers should be protected & health standards regulated like other work #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
It also absolves assailants of their guilt and makes it seem ok to attack sex workers b/c they perform sexual labors. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
As advocates of human & labor rights we should allow adult workers 2 make choices about their own bodies #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
@profragsdale Whilst recognising Labour under capitalism is exploitative n "choices" abt wage-slavery aren’t liberating #SaturdaySchool✨FěЯĎì✨
Why Decriminalizing Sex Work is Good for All Women http://msmagazine.com/blog/blog/2010/11/01/why-decriminalizing-sex-work-is-good-for-all-women/ via @msmagazine #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
"Should contractual sex be legalized?" http://www.csun.edu/~psy453/prosti_y.htm #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
Prostitution Law Reform: Defining Terms http://www.bayswan.org/defining.html #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
.I liked that blog because it was another reminder of how anti-sex work measures & sexist cultural thoughts are intertwined. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
Prostitution Education Network http://www.bayswan.org/penet.html #SaturdaySchoolRhonda Ragsdale
YES! #sexwork MT @happybrowngirl Fab book! I’ve Got to Make My Livin’ by Cynthia Blair http://www.amazon.com/Make-Livin-Turn—Century-ebook/dp/B004I1KSOA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1344705169&sr=1-1&keywords=I%27ve+got+to+make+my+livin #SaturdaySchool #readinglistTynisha
When discussing sex worker rights, knowing the history of various groups of sex workers is especially important. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
I’ve taken interest in black women’s sex work because they are often further marginalized in discussions about sex work. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
So here’s additional resources on black women laboring in sex work: Siobhan Brooks "Unequal Desires" http://www.amazon.com/Unequal-Desires-Stripping-Industry-ebook/dp/B007QWLZIQ #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
There was a special edition of $pread magazine on race & sex work that was great if you can find a copy of it. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
.@DrMireille has written about black women laboring in sex industry & the barriers they often face in various publications. #SaturdaySchoolTynisha
@profragsdale in your #SaturdaySchool chat, did y’all discuss courtesans and their social roles in society? Their eventual decline asA D Bonaparte

Filed Under: #SaturdaySchool Tagged With: #SaturdaySchool, Human Rights, Labor Rights, Sex Workers, Sexi Is Work

About Jaime Puente

I'm a student of life, literature & culture, and I couldn't keep my mouth shut if I tried. So, I write about the things that catch my eye and my ire. Let's hope you don't get caught in the latter of those two gazes. Please correct me if I'm wrong. JaimeRPuente.com

Follow @jaimerpuente

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Get Funk&Beans in Your Inbox

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

More Funk & Beans…

  • Social Justice and Abolition #SoJustAbolition by @raindawgtao
  • Art and Social Justice #SoJustArt by @raindawgtao
  • Disasters and Social Justice #SoJustDisasters by @raindawgtao
  • The Nephilim Chronicles with Grant Miller
  • History and Social Justice #SoJustHistory By @raindawgtao

Help Support Funk & Beans:

What We’re Tweeting

Tweets by @FunkAndBeans

Footer

Funkdademics

Making And Seeing Strong Arguments

#SaturdaySchool: Racial Violence and Police Brutality #Sept6CTA

Teaching Healthcare History in the Age of Obama

Funk n Beans Living

#SB5, The People’s Filibuster & Unbridled Power: A Night With the Texas Legislature

Calling For the Return of the Parasol

Perspectives in an Election Year

Recomendaciones de Funk

Calling For the Return of the Parasol

Using the #ScholarSunday Hashtag via RaulPacheco

The End of Austin

New Documentary: We Women Warriors

#SaturdaySchool

Social Justice and Abolition #SoJustAbolition by @raindawgtao

Art and Social Justice #SoJustArt by @raindawgtao

Disasters and Social Justice #SoJustDisasters by @raindawgtao

History and Social Justice #SoJustHistory By @raindawgtao

Freshly Funk & Beans

A Labor Rights Primer

Copyright © 2019 · Rhonda Ragsdale - Jaime Puente · Log in