Disclaimer: this post is political and not sexy. At all. But what I am going to talk about affects us both.
If you don't know what is already happening, a preliminary backdrop: On February 28, 2018, the House of Representatives passed a bill that is aimed at curbing online sex trafficking by holding online platforms legally liable for any content found to “knowingly assist, facilitate, or support sex trafficking.” Called "Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017" (or FOSTA), it is now headed to the Senate where it is expected to pass by a wide margin.
"But Jazz," you say. "That's great! We should all be fighting sex trafficking. Right?"
But #FOSTA and it's companion bill #SESTA does not target trafficking in any nuanced way. In fact, it targets speech. From posting on social media to ad sites, from curating safety resources for each other, both bills overwhelmingly target speech that is seen as "promotion of prostitution". Don't believe me? Here's a handy guide:
Remember that beloved First Amendment right that we all have? The one about free speech? When you start restricting the speech of sex workers, you end up restricting a lot of other content, sex work or otherwise. And it end up becoming pretty draconian.
In 2018, it is not like we no longer know how to be effective against sex trafficking. In India, DURBAR, a collective of 65000 sex workers, have given us a great blueprint. Not only do they organize for health clinics and basic needs, they are better than the police at identifying folks who are trafficked or may be looking to exit sex work for any number of reason. Their success rate of 80% is so great that they got a nod from Amnesty International themselves.
Decriminalization of sex work is so effective in curbing trafficking, health issues, and violence against sex workers that Amnesty International, World Health Organization, and the U.N all endorse it.
But the U.S isn't there yet. In the meantime, you can let your representative know that you're concerned about trafficking, and therefore, oppose H.R 1865. Call them or send a letter to them by texting 50409. It may not stop the bill but your representative will know that there is opposition, and that is something.
In the meantime, Happy International Sex Worker Right's Day!
Updated 4/15/2018: FOSTA-SESTA has been signed into law as of April 11, 2018. Melissa Gira Grant and Elizabeth Nolan Brown are two excellent reporters to follow on this topic. Some advocates to follow are Erica G, Kate D'Adamo and Morgan M Page, particularly this thread and this thread to read if you're trying to understand what sexual trafficking can actually look like. If you're the listening type, this episode on The Brian Lehrer Show and this episode on Struggle Session is particularly helpful to get a summary of all these different points.
If you're looking for ways to help, please consider donating to SWOP Behind Bars, Lysistrata MCCF, Project Safe Philadelphia, and/or your favorite organization that caters to the needs and healthcare of LGBTQ+ folks. Rest assured that they come up on your bank statements as decidedly unsexy names if that is your concern. And though not easy dinner conversation topics, I do encourage you to engage folks and dispel some myths around sex trafficking and sex work when appropriate.
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