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
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