PROS Network Chicago – LAUNCH RECEPTION May 8, 2013

Please join us On May 8, 2013! SWOP-Chicago is pleased to host a public reception to celebrate thelaunch of PROS Network-Chicago; an exciting new directory and network of helping professionals, clinics and agencies offering non-judgmental, client-centric resources and support to people in the sex trade. The reception will take place at Cortelyou Commons (DePaul University, 2324 N Fremont, Chicago IL, 60614) RECEPTION WILL INCLUDE: • the release of new PROS print outreach materials… • speeches by network professionals… • a fair where attendees can pick up info about and talk to PROS network members… • light reception fare. The Pros Network Chicago, is one of few existing resource guides created for sex workers, in the world. The PROS Network-Chicago currently includes over 35 helping professionals, agencies and clinics. NETWORK MEMBERS INCLUDE: • Asian Human Services • Chicago House • Chicago Women’s Health Center • Chicago Recovery Alliance • Heartland Health Outreach Inc • Howard Brown Health Center • Rape Victims Advocates The PROS Network-Chicago was created to connect individuals involved or previously involved in the sex trade with affirming, non-judgmental services. SWOP-Chicago hopes the PROS network will reduce access barriers to medical care, legal support, and human services commonly experienced by sex workers and also raise awareness and sensitivity of the human service and harm-reduction community to the unique needs of people involved in the sex trade. The reception is co-sponsored by DePaul University Social Science Research Center. The reception is FREE and opened to the public.

Sex-Positive Film Fest Continues

The first film was screened on January 27th. The second film is screening tonight.

The second film in the Sex+++ film fest is “Sex Positive”:

Starting in the 1970s, unflinchingly tracks the progress of gay activist Richard Berkowitz as he went from cocky S&M hustler, to angry AIDS activist, to broken but proud harbinger of a message too volatile, scary and true to be heard.

Curated by Clarisse Thorn, who is TOTALLY awesome, the film will be screened at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum on the UIC campus, 800 S. Halsted. Festivities start at 7pm, snacks are provided. Call 312.413.5353 for more information. There is also a Google Group for the documentary series: http://groups.google.com/group/sexplusplusplus . So come out, bring a friend and try to stay for the post-film discussion. The first one was excellent, so I’m very excited about this one. Films are shown every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, at 7pm.

SEX+++ is pro-SEX, pro-QUEER, and pro-KINK.

(Cross-posted at La Libertine’s Salon)

Outreach Training this Saturday

On Saturday Oct 18th, SWOP will be holding a training downtown at 3pm for anyone interested in doing joining our street outreach team. We will go over some important information about crisis management and talk about our approach. We’ll talk about how to handle difficult situations (should they arise), how we will deal with harassment, and other important points.

Please RSVP to janebrazen@gmail.com, or if you cannot attend but are interested. Snacks will be provided!

This is a really exciting opportunity for sex workers and their allies to reach out to their community. Hope to see you there!