International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers:
Come join us for a community symposium, film screening and vigil
Hosted by: Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP) Chicago
When: Friday, December 17, 2010 at 6:30PM – 10:00PM
Where: Jane Addams Hull House Museum
800 S. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL
Parking Across Street from UIC campus
Who: Current & former sex workers, our allies, friends, families, and communities. This event is free and open to the public.
Join SWOP-Chicago in observing the 7th annual International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.
Chicago– On Saturday, December 17th, sex workers and their allies will gather at vigils around the world to commemorate the annual Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, honoring sex workers who have died at the hands of violent crimes, and declaring an end to all violence against all sex workers.
The Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers was inaugurated in 2003 after the conviction of Gary Ridgway (the “Green River Killer”), a serial killer responsible for the murder of at least 48 prostitutes in Washington State. One statement in his confession determined the need for a very public memorial that raises issues of violence against sex workers: “I picked prostitutes because I thought I could kill as many of them as I wanted without getting caught.”
Events this year include:
Community Symposium: “Sex Workers and Our Allies Speak Out: The Truth about the Negative Effects of Anti-Prostitution Laws”
Speakers include-
Greg Scott and Rachel Lovell, DePaul University Social Science Research Center
Lara Brooks- Manager, Broadway Youth Center
Jasmine Jewels- Sex Worker, Filmmaker, Photographer
Yasmin Nair- activist, academic, and commentator and a member of Gender JUST (Justice United for Societal Change)
Alice Tkachik- Executive Director, Sisters and Brothers Helping Each Other
Jay Very, Founder T-Storm Coalition and Tongue in Chic Gallery
Rachel “Rabbit” White- Sex Journalist and blogger
Moderated by Serpent, Director of Sex Workers Outreach Project-Chicago
Sex Worker Made Film Screenings
Candlelight vigil to honor sex workers who have died at the hands of violence
Light snacks and beverages will be provided.
For more information contact the Sex Workers Outreach Project Chicago
Website: www.swop-chicago.org
Telephone: 312-252-3880
For Other Events Outside Chicago: http://www.swopusa.org/dec17/
Sex Worker Outreach Project - Chicago 
[…] 17th, 2010 @ 12:03 pm Today is the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. Here’s what’s happening in Chicago, and if you’re not in Chicago, there may just be an event in your area. It’s also worth […]