Aussie Sex Workers Take To The Airwaves

MELBOURNE, VIC, AU—The Vixen Collective, a peer-based organization of sex workers in Victoria, has always strived to assert the experience of sex workers to inform public opinion. Whether it is writing submissions to government, lecturing at universities or putting together public projects like the Festival of Sex Work, the group has endeavored to engage in dialog with the broader community. And now their latest initiative sees them publicly broadcasted on a weekly basis. "Sex workers are busting out of the closet to set the record straight," announced Christian Vega, a long-time sex worker and advocate of the rights of others in his profession, who has commenced hosting a regular radio program. It is the only one in the world that is entirely produced and presented by sex workers. "The Vixen Hour is a unique opportunity for the community to hear directly from the voices sex workers," Vega added. "We aim to have a frank, open discussion about our work and the issues that affect us is an effort to build greater understanding of sex workers as part of the community." Going to air weekly from Australia's only LGBTIQ radio station, JOY 94.9, The Vixen Hour is Australia's only community radio program focused on sex work and is broadcast on Monday nights at 11pm. The Vixen Hour will have a special program on Monday, March 4, in the lead-up to International Women's Day, by focusing on the issue of sex work and motherhood. As well as featuring co-hosts who are both sex workers and mothers, the program will also ask, "What is it like to grow up with a mum who is a sex worker?" Tune in from 11pm. "Often, the general public's perception of sex workers is shaped by academics, the media and the arts but this is not necessarily the most accurate reflection of us," Vega explained. "By tuning into The Vixen Hour, listeners will be able to connect directly to the voices of actual sex workers." "Although sex work is legal in the state of Victoria, sex workers still face immense discrimination and legislation that is not supportive of our human rights," he continued. "Sex workers are often isolated and alone and there are scant community resources that provide good information for and about sex workers. We strive to go some way to addressing those issues with The Vixen Hour." The radio show discusses issues from a sex worker perspective and will feature different guest hosts every week. "It's important to reflect the diversity of sex work," said Vega. "Often people have a very narrow idea of who we are and what we do. But sex workers come from all different backgrounds, from a whole range of ages, races, genders and sexualities. Sex Workers are not voiceless victims. When forming an opinion about us, the broader community should listen to us. And now, we've created another opportunity for them to do so." Tune into 94.9 FM on your radio or stream it live over the internet Monday nights at 11pm. The show is podcast, and all previous episodes are available for download here. You can follow The Vixen Hour on Twitter or on Facebook. To find out more about the Vixen Collective, click here. For further comment, phone Christian Vega at 0403 941 185.