Resist 2010: 8 Reasons to Oppose the 2010 Winter Olympics, is a short, fast-paced documentary focusing on the negative impacts of the 2010 Games to be held in Vancouver, Canada, and the ongoing resistance by Indigenous & other social movements.Resist 2010: 8 Reasons to Oppose the 2010 Winter Olympics, is a short, fast-paced... more
Sex and Money uncovers the shocking reality behind recruiting young boys to work as prostitutes in the UK.
Sex and Money is a series of hard-hitting films and real life stories that seek to throw back the sheets on Britain’s sex for money trades. Getting the facts and outrageous stories first hand from the prostitutes, pimps and customers themselves. Covering everything from professional feminist porn producers to amateur online hustlers. Gay and straight, legal and illegal - sex and money brings you the X-rated stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
Sex and Money, Monday 26th October at 10pm, Sky 183 and Virgin 155Sex and Money uncovers the shocking reality behind recruiting young boys to work as... more
Sex workers are routinely portrayed in the media as victims.
At London’s first ever Sex Worker Open University, over two hundred sex workers and allies from the UK and abroad took part in workshops, discussions and actions.
This film presents an alternative and empowered image of the sex worker.
According to a Turkish newspaper, Hurriyet Daily News, sex workers in Turkey are trying to unionize to protect their health and rights. Prostitution is formally legal in Turkey, but the laws are still unfriendly to the safety and health of the workers. According to the law, sex workers have to be registered to be legal, but the vast majority are unregistered. According to Muhtar Çokar, a doctor who serves sex workers, the number of registered sex workers in Istanbul, which has a population of over 12 million, is 126. In Turkey at large, there are 3,500 registered sex workers out of a population of 71 million. Çokar says, "That is too small a number compared to Ankara Trade Chamber, which said there are around 100,000 unregistered sex workers in total in Turkey." Registered sex workers must be single women, work in licensed brothels (there are 18 in Istanbul), and carry a card showing the dates of their most recent health tests.
Buse Kılıçkaya, an activist with the Pembe Hayat Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Association, says that "There is a social consensus that if you are a sex worker then you deserve to be exposed to violence, sexual harassment and discrimination." Assaults on transgendered sex workers by both police and clients are especially common. According to Kılıçkaya, the frequency of attacks and discrimination against transgendered workers, and the need for cisgendered women to remain anonymous to protect their families, has made trans workers especially agressive in fighting for their rights.
As of right now, the meetings on the initiative are closed to the public, and no political parties or NGOs have announced their support.Sex Workers of the world Unite!
From CarnalNation.com:
According to a Turkish... more
Adam Yamaguchi heads to India to study the subculture of homosexual male sex workers. The population of male sex workers has risen in India, which has also spurred a rise in unsafe sexual practices. Sunil Menon started an organization called Sahodaran Outreach Center which targets male sex workers in India to teach them about safe sex practices and HIV and AIDS prevention. Adam learns about the MSM population, or men who have sex with men and how the Sahodaran Outreach Center is seeking to educate them about prevention and disease prevention.Adam Yamaguchi heads to India to study the subculture of homosexual male sex workers.... more
Castro Valley, Calif. -- "Boob play," "pics of kitty," "topless housecleaning" and "hypno role play." The list, scribbled in a lined yellow notebook, is followed by a double-underlined figure: $725.
It's 9 a.m. on a Friday and 30-year-old Marie is sitting on her couch clad in Donald Duck pajamas, munching on buttered toast and staring at her cellphone like she can will it to ring. If someone calls in response to the ad she posted this morning on Craigslist, she can add $75 to her projected income for the month.
Five months ago, before being laid off, Marie was bringing in $45,000 a year at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Now, she operates out of two offices: her living room and a regularly changing hotel room. Her uniform is different, too: Instead of conservative business attire, she dons a lace bra and booty-hugging capris. The former corporate supervisor has become a sex worker.
She's applied for every strait-laced office gig she can find -- regardless of hours, pay or whether her University of California degree makes her absurdly overqualified. She went from being a manager to fighting for personal assistant positions. But last month, after innumerable unanswered cover letters, overdue bills and a delay in her unemployment checks, she entered a world of code words and cash wads. It was baptism by -- bodily fluids: She peed on a guy in her own bed for $100. Since then, she's been paid more times than she can count, or cares to count, for sex, blow jobs, hand jobs and sensual massage.
Of course, Marie is far from the only woman pushed into the sex industry by these harsh economic times. Strip clubs, X-rated Web cam companies and escort managers across the country have reported an increase in job applications in the last several months -- ironically, at the same time that business is largely going down. The same phenomenon was seen after the dot-com bust, when out-of-work techies turned to everything from S/M dungeons to porn sets. Both booms saw a series of salacious news items about good girls gone bad, a narrative that is at least as old as the Bible -- but I wanted to know what was unique about this particular cultural moment.
Industry insiders like to say that they're seeing more "normal" people, girls "with good minds." Mike of A&M Studios, a producer of X-rated video chats, says: "A couple years ago, we'd have a lot of strippers or people who might be on meth -- a lot of shiftier people." He continues, "Now we're seeing performers who are more educated and used to working on a regular schedule. There's been a shift to a very different class of people." Much as his phrasing gives me chills, it isn't just a cliché that women with limited job opportunities often turn to sex work.
The difference in these dark days is that middle-class advantages, like a solid college education and professional work experience, don't offer the same level of protection that they once did from being pushed to make such a choice. Not to mention, it's easier now to make the decision because the Internet has bulldozed the barrier of entry into the sex industry. Just a few clicks away from Craigslist's job board is an array of immediate, cash-upfront adult gigs.
Last month, it looked like that might change: Craigslist announced it would replace its raunchy erotic services section with a costlier and human-monitored "adult" section to appease a threatening state attorney general -- but, so far, the only difference is that there are fewer ads and more euphemisms. Instead of hand jobs and BJs, women offer "sweet treats," "pleasure," "play" or, most popular of all, sensual or erotic "massage." Those looking to hire simply put out a call for a "personal assistant" or a "female teacher" under "adult gigs." Craigslist still allows "normal" girls like Marie to easily gauge the going rates, pick up the lingo and become plucky entrepreneurs, soCastro Valley, Calif. -- "Boob play," "pics of kitty," "topless housecleaning" and... more
The global recession has hit hard in most financial sectors, including sex work. Amsterdam's world-famous Red Light District, where sex workers offer themselves in red-lit storefront windows, is experiencing a dramatic drop in business.The global recession has hit hard in most financial sectors, including sex work.... more
It's been a lousy few months for sex on Craigslist. First, 40 state attorneys general banded together to demand that the world's biggest classified site take down its "erotic services" (read: prostitution) ads.*(See correction at the end of this article.) Then, in March, right on cue, a man in New York was murdered by a teenager he met through Craigslist. Soon after, Boston cops arrested Philip Markoff, the med student accused of robbing, and in one case killing, escorts he found through Craigslist. Now South Carolina's attorney general is threatening to prosecute the site's employees.
"Just by being good guys, we've created a culture of trust and fairness," the site's eponymous founder, Craig Newmark, once told Wired. Well, sort of—if you don't count the occasional Jack the Ripper wannabe. Nothing spells "bad PR" like a sex and murder scandal.
If Craigslist were a conventional company, it would have a crisis PR firm gunning the engines to get as far away from sex ads as possible. But Craigslist is not. Many outlets have reported that Craigslist would drop its "erotic services" ads, but this is essentially a fiction. It has only reluctantly agreed to vet ads for explicit prostitution offers (ads that euphemistically offer massage or just leave the details of about what to expect are still OK) and replaced the controversial category with the essentially identical "adult services." Meanwhile, the "casual encounters" section—ads for "no strings attached" sex that are often more lurid than the paid-sex ads in "erotic services"—remains as active and unregulated as ever. And Craigslist has even managed to fan the fires by suing the attorney general of South Carolina.
All of which raises an obvious question: Why do the people behind the 13th most visited site in the United States run ads for prostitution and kink in the first place?It's been a lousy few months for sex on Craigslist. First, 40 state attorneys general... more
This was a really inspiring article from the Washington Post about 50 year old Jackie McReynolds.
When Jackie McReynolds found out she was HIV positive, she looked back on her career as a DC prositute. There were such highlights as being gang-raped in an alley by three men, drug addiction and close calls with death. She decided to get out of sex work and got her online degree in human services and learned about issues of abuse and trauma for women.
She then started, The Angels Power Project, a 3 month intensive program that acts as an alternative for a jail sentence for prostitutes where they attend classes every day for several hours (a little like an AA format), have to pass multiple drug tests and learn life skills. McReynolds goes over practical things like how to get a job, how to dress for a job, computer skills, CV writing... all those good things.
While she struggled at first with getting money the program has been relatively sucessful and receives yearly funding.
The Washington Post article reads,
"Nakita Harrison, 34, a sex worker for nearly two decades, was in and out of jail before signing up a year ago. She now rents a furnished apartment from the group and works as a grocery cashier, her first legitimate job.
"She speaks our language," Harrison said. "She knows us and allows us to be ourselves as long as we remain respectful to her and the other women in the group."
Many of these women, ages 18 to 60, are mothers, grandmothers and even great-grandmothers. They would blend in easily in a grocery store line or at midweek church services. Their clothes are baggy, not tight. Instead of high heels, many go to work in tennis shoes. Most find their clients on the street, out in the open, with little protection from sexually transmitted diseases, violence and arrest.
Most of the women are trying to support their drug habits, and others are engaged in "survival sex" to pay the bills or buy food for their children, McReynolds said.
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"Putting these women in jail isn't going to solve the problem. They just become repeat offenders," McReynolds said. "They have to change from within." ..........
McReynolds tells the women that low self-esteem is behind their behavior, and she embraces the role of disciplinarian. She hugs a crying woman who says she missed classes to tend to her sick mother but added a month to the woman's required stay. "You have one last chance," McReynolds says. "You can't help your mother if you don't help yourself first."This was a really inspiring article from the Washington Post about 50 year old Jackie... more
"The tough job market is prompting a growing number of women across the country to dance in strip clubs, appear in adult movies or pose for magazines like Hustler.
Employers across the adult entertainment industry say they’re seeing an influx of applications from women who, like Brown, are attracted by the promise of flexible schedules and fast cash. Many have college degrees and held white-collar jobs until the economy soured.
“You’re seeing a lot more beautiful women who are eligible to do so many other things,” said Gus Poulos, general manager of New York City’s Sin City gentleman’s club. He said he got 85 responses in just one day to a recent job posting on Craigslist.
The transition to the nightclub scene isn’t always a smooth one — from learning to dance in five-inch heels to dealing with the jeers of some customers.""The tough job market is prompting a growing number of women across the country to... more
sick of your mundane sexless work days - then this article is perfect for you. god willing you have a partner and your not a married jerk( one hopes)- you can spice work time up while you get paid....legitimately- the paid part. the sex part - pretty sure you would be in hot water if caught - but isn't that the fun for you freaks! :) enjoy!sick of your mundane sexless work days - then this article is perfect for you. god... more
"The very first actress to win an Oscar from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences played a woman reduced to prostitution.
On Sunday night, actress Marisa Tomei could take home an Academy Award for her portrayal of a kind-hearted stripper in the critically acclaimed film "The Wrestler." Four years ago, Natalie Portman was nominated for playing a young stripper in Mike Nichols's steamy drama "Closer," and just a year earlier Charlize Theron won an Oscar for her role as a real-life prostitute-turned-serial killer (in "Monster"). In the decade before that, Elisabeth Shue, Mira Sorvino and Julia Roberts all became Oscar nominees (or winners) for playing women who sell their bodies but guard their hearts -- one of Hollywood's longtime fascinations.
Why so many big screen strippers and hookers? Sex sells, and Hollywood has built an industry marketing actors' appeal. Historically, there have been fewer edgy roles for women, and the world's oldest profession -- prostitution -- offers a natural corollary to another time-tested role, the male criminal. Another reason: Inherently flawed characters, who possess what some might see as mental, moral or physical imperfections, make for more courageous acting performances.
Voyeurism certainly plays a starring role in why moviegoers love to watch women bare it all on screen, but there's also redemptive power in many of the women's performances. Seeing ladies of the evening make good represents the universal rags-to-riches story. "You can't help but root for the girl -- it's about wish fulfillment," says Garry Marshall, who directed "Pretty Woman," the hit film about one harlot's attempt at upward mobility which landed Ms. Roberts an Oscar nod. "[Best-picture nominee] 'Slumdog Millionaire' has a lot of the same things going for it."""The very first actress to win an Oscar from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and... more
An exclusive look inside the Lusty Lady -- the only worker owned co-op union strip club in the country.An exclusive look inside the Lusty Lady -- the only worker owned co-op union strip... more
RECESSION! WE ARE INSIDE OF ONE RIGHT NOW. As tired as I am of having this recession jammed down my throat at every opportunity (I am a firm believer that if the press didn't tell us we were in a recession we wouldn't be in one), it has produced some interesting phenomenon.
While crimes like... Say.... Murder might be on the rise during a recession - capitol punishment is in the red.
It seems we can no longer afford to execute the people that are robbing/killing us for the money we don't have. US executions are at a 14 year low citing the cost of execution as a reason for the slump. Ok, fair enough - I've never been pro-death penalty... Maybe this recession isn't so bad I'm thinking - WRONG!
Ain't this recession just a kick in the pants! The global economy is in such a crisis that industries such as 'sex-tourism' are turning belly up. So now when I go to Prague I'm going to have to enjoy the local culture and cuisine... Greaaaaaat......
Ok so, we can't execute people, we can't travel internationally to pay for sex... Things are getting pretty bad. Any solutions? How bout we just print new money!
Neighborhoods in Milwaukee are discussing printing their own nifty little money in order to combat the lack of real money and encourage local spending. I think I might have came up with this idea when I was 6. Well Milwaukee, more power to you! If you can get people to spend Milwaukee fun-bucks then I will be the first person to counterfeit them and buy all your stuff.
Pictured: Me trying to look more laid off by licking my chops at the sight of canned food, wearing a knit cap and growing 'recession stubble' -
Two one 57 and other 47 year old woman were caught selling and trafficking for prostitution in the greater Belfast area in UK. They were charged with £25,000. They were accused of controlling prostitution, money laundering and human trafficking for prostitution. During the police operation two women were rescued from them. The laws around prostitution in England and Wales are far from straight-forward. The act of prostitution is not in itself illegal but a string of laws criminalizes activities around it. Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, it is an offence to cause or incite prostitution or control it for personal gain. The 1956 Sexual Offences Act bans running a brothel and it’s against the law to loiter or solicit sex on the street. Kerb-crawling is also banned, providing it can be shown the individual was causing a persistent annoyance. Adverts placed in phone boxes have been banned since 2001. Human trafficking, a component of modern prostitution, is also covered by the law. There are also general laws on public nuisance and decency which can be used to target the sex trade.
Feel Free To CommentTwo one 57 and other 47 year old woman were caught selling and trafficking for... more
The Home Secretary today attacked the 'bizarre' practice of City firms taking clients to lapdancing clubs, as the government's crackdown on the sex trade gathered speed.
Under new restrictions in the law, men who knowingly use a trafficked woman could face rape charges, while those who pay for sex with any of Britain's 80,000 prostitutes would be fined and given a criminal record under the new law.
Further moves will transform licensing arrangements for lapdancing clubs from the same status of pubs, to those of sex shops. This would give local residents more power in objecting against the opening of new establishments.
One sex worker, who wished to remain anonymous, responded to the measures, saying, 'If the government is offended by the work we do, then give us the financial means to get out.'The Home Secretary today attacked the 'bizarre' practice of City firms taking clients... more
Stavo cercando una donna che facesse la prostituta per un'intervista e invece ho trovato Jana che mi ha raccontato la sua storia.
Eccola.
Dolce e crudele come la vita.Stavo cercando una donna che facesse la prostituta per un'intervista e invece ho... more
A group of about 50 sex workers from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside who are challenging Canada's prostitution laws could lose their case in B.C. Supreme Court this week, months before a trial is even set to begin. A group of about 50 sex workers from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside who are challenging... more
The transmission of HIV/AIDS among gays in the Chinese capital was even worse than through sex workers, the city's disease control center said on Friday.
Up to 5 percent of homosexuals in the city were infected, compared with 0.5 percent of women sex workers, said He Xiong, the Beijing Centers of Diseases Control and Prevention deputy director.
He attributed the HIV/AIDS increase among gays to the lack of protection measures during sex.
Some gays don't have due knowledge on HIV/AIDS, while condoms were used in less than half their sex acts, he added.
Despite society's increasing tolerance to homosexuals in recent years, discrimination against them still exists. Gays usually kept their sexual orientation secret, making it difficult to improve awareness of the disease among them.
Beijing authorities examined 1 million blood samples between January and July and found 563 people infected. Among them, 118 were permanent residents of the city, according to He.
The percentage of infections from mother to baby, from blood products and needle sharing among drug addicts had dropped, a sign of the city's prevention efforts.
While the prevalence of AIDS in China remains low compared with the total population, the situation is very serious in several provinces affected by drug trafficking and illegal blood donation.
China had registered about 214,000 HIV cases by July 30 last year, but many HIV-positive people were still not registered as having the disease, officials said.
According to the last major survey in 2005 by the Ministry of Health, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and World Health Organization (WHO), the number of people suffering from HIV in China was estimated at 650,000. The transmission of HIV/AIDS among gays in the Chinese capital was even worse than... more
A condom lubricant designed for sex workers and gay men has become a popular acne cure among female Cambodians, women in the capital have said.
Number One Plus, a water-based lubricant produced by health organisation Population Services International (PSI), is an excellent cure for acne, 29-year-old vendor Tep Kemyoeurn told news agencies.
"After I used it for three days, all of my acne dried up and went away," she said. "Many people believe in it," she added.
Khen Vanny, 29, from Phnom Penh, said women of all ages have taken to using the lubricant to get rid of spots.
"It is very effective. Some people don't believe in it but people who do really get a good result," she said, adding: "My youngest sister and my aunt use it too."
Another woman told Khmer-language Kampuchea Thmey newspaper that she had used many kinds of medicine to treat acne but none had worked.
"After that my friends, who work at garment factories in Phnom Penh, advised me to apply the lubricant from Number One Plus condoms on my face every night," she told the paper.
"And just within three to four nights, the acne on my face gradually and then totally disappeared," she added.
A vendor near a factory in the coastal city of Sihanoukville told the newspaper that she sold packets of Number One Plus lubricant for 500 riels (12 cents) to many women every day.
The paper urged experts to conduct research about the phenomenon.
PSI were not immediately available for comment on the apparent cosmetic benefits of their product. A condom lubricant designed for sex workers and gay men has become a popular acne cure... more
