SWOP NH to Host Luncheon/Fundraiser Honoring Sex Workers

MANCHESTER, NH—The New Hampshire chapter of the Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP NH) has announced that it will be holding a special luncheon and fundraiser on December 17, the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, to raise awareness of the problems and challenges facing that much-maligned group. The event will be open to the public at The Flats at Hanover Commons, 235 Hanover St, Manchester, New Hampshire from 5-7 PM. The luncheon will support the work that SWOP does to secure protections and equal rights for sex workers in the Granite State. In attendance will be SWOP NH members and other like-minded supporters.
 The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers has been observed since 2003, and marks the conviction of Gary Ridgway, The Green River Killer, who was convicted of 48 murders of sex workers, confessed to over 70 killings, and is suspected of more than 100 murders. Violence against sex workers is pervasive across the globe, and trans and sex workers of color are specifically vulnerable due to intersections of violence. “As we mark the memories of victims and rally in support of the sex worker community, events marking December 17 are an opportunity to continue to build a corresponding community of sex worker allies,” said Ashley Fires, SWOP NH president. “The more we shine a light on the plight of sex workers, the more we combat the misinformation and stereotypes that contribute to the stigmatization of sex work.” As of today, there are more than 17 affiliated events spread throughout the United States to mark this significant date. These events span from vigils and rallies to art installations and various celebrations of life.
 "In the continuing effort to support sex workers, fight for their rights and raise awareness of the violence and oppression sex workers face around the world, December 17 is an important day of annual remembrance and one that inspires hope that the goal of the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers will someday be reached,” said Angie Rowntree, SWOP NH representative.
 As an organization, SWOP attempts to track and document all of the sex workers who die in a calendar year. The organization has recorded 45 deceased sex workers who will be recognized on December 17, 32 of whom passed in 2018. Unfortunately, they believe this number will significantly increase as we get closer to the day of recognition. The global list tracked by the SWOP contains over 104 names of sex workers who have passed internationally.
 Criminalization of sex work in the United States is a major contributing factor to the violence that sex workers face. SWOP calls for the full decriminalization of sex work and the dismantling of policing systems that prey on the most vulnerable members of the sex work communities. Trans sex workers of color make up a disproportionately large number of those that were lost this year, likely due to sex worker stigma and transphobia that go hand-in-hand. Both must be defeated. Sex workers rights are human rights, and sex work is work. This December 17, SWOP will renew its commitment to fight for safety, dignity, and respect. As the community gathers together, they will honor and uplift the names of the many victims who have fallen to violence, as well as hold space for those facing daily non-fatal attacks. More information on the event and SWOP NH can be found at SWOPNH.ORG, or contact Ashley Fires at [email protected]. Information on other events can be found here.