SWOP-NYC has open meetings once a month for sex workers and our allies.

We identify as sex-positive, gender-inclusive, radical, queer-positive, kink and BDSM-friendly, critical of capitalism(though not necessarily anti-capitalist).

Read more about:

• SWOP-NYC
• Sex Workers Action New yorK (SWANK)
• The SWOP National Network

National March for Sex Workers Rights
Dec. 17, 2008
Meet at Franklin Square (14st NW & Eye ST NW) near McPherson Square Station for rally and speeches.
March Gathers at noon.
March ends at The White House (1600 Pennsylvania AVE) about 3 blocks away.

Join the Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP-USA) as we march on Washington to demand rights for all sex workers! On Wednesday, December 17, 2008, advocates from across the nation will converge to mark the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. Together, we will take a stand for justice, dignity, and the freedom to do sex work safely and in dignity. We are calling for an end to the unjust laws, policing, shaming and stigma that oppress our communities and make us targets for violence. At this vibrant event, we will both honor the lives lost in 2008 and celebrate our vital movement. Some housing is available for out-of-towners - consider staying on to attend our big party that weekend. On Dec. 17th, SWOP-USA and its allies in harm reduction and social justice welcome your support as we march for sex workers rights!

This is a permitted event (pending approval). For more information, or to endorse this event, contact:
877-776-2004 x 1
dec17@swopusa.org
www.swopusa.org/dec17/

Please note that the swop-nyc meeting this week has been canceled due to logistical difficulties with preparing the meeting space. We plan to reschedule for an upcoming date in September. Please email swank@riseup.net if you are interested in attending and wish to be informed of the new date.

We appologize dearly for any inconvenience.

• -Are you in the sex trade?
• -Have you exchanged sex for gifts, drugs, or housing?
• -Do you work the streets, the clubs, the dungeons, or the internet?
• -Have you been hassled by cops?
• -Are you at risk for a prostitution arrest?
• -Do NYC’s raids, street sweeps and busts make it hard for you to get by
  and stay safe?

This TRAINING is for YOU!
Tues., Aug. 19th, 7-9 pm,
Safe Lower Manhattan Location

Learn about your rights and get advice on how to deal with cops and arrests.

This event is open to current and former sex workers ONLY-
You must RSVP to attend!!!

For more information, or to RSVP, please contact (347) 748-6193 or
swank@riseup.net

Hosts: Sex Workers Project (UJC) sexworkersproject.com
SWANK (Sex Workers Action NY)/SWOP-NYC

In response to a July, 13th New York Daily News news article reporting on the arrest of Monica Gonzales for alleged prostitution — charges that were subsequently dropped, and that were apparently brought simply because Ms. Gonzalez was walking in an area targeted by the police for prostitution arrests — members of swop-nyc have sent the following statement to the editors of the Daily News:

The unfortunate arrest of Ms. Gonzalez brings to light a fundamental
flaw in the laws that govern prostitution in New York State. Herein, a
police officer may arrest a person for loitering for the purposes of
prostitution with only “probable cause” as their grounds for doing so.
In many cases, like that of Ms. Gonzalez, people are charged,
stigmatized, and sometimes made the focus of media attention, simply
for making certain gestures, being on a certain street or dressing in
a certain way. In short, non-criminal behaviors and people can be and
regularly are arrested simply because the police don’t like the looks
of them. Of course, those who bear the brunt of these oppressive
practices often already face discrimination on the basis of their
race, sexual and/or gender identity, and economic class. It is high
time that this crime be removed from the law books, so that Ms.
Gonzalez and others like her are no longer victimized by abuses of
police power.
Maryse Mitchell-Brody
Sex Workers Outreach Project - NYC

July’s open SWOP-NYC meeting will convene on July 24, rather than the usual third Thursday of the month, in order to avoid conflicting with the Desiree Alliance Conference. SWOP-NYC meetings are open to current & former sex workers as well as allies.

The meeting will take place from 7-9pm at our usual location. If you have not yet attended a meeting and need to be screened, please email swank@riseup.net as soon as possible to get screened & the address for the meeting. Someone there will get back to you within a few days.

Future SWOP-NYC meetings (from August onwards) will continue to meet as usual on the third thursday of each month from 7-9PM.

This event is co-sponsored by SWANK and SWOP-NYC.

SWANK will be hosting a Know Your Rights Training on Tuesday, July 1st at 7pm in the East Village. Please contact swank@riseup.net for more information and screening for this meeting.

SWANK Meetings will be held the first Tuesday of the month for the duration of the summer

SWOP-NYC Meetings will be held the third Thursday of the month until further notice.

Don’t forget: if this is your first meeting you will need to introduce yourself by email (swank (at) riseup (dot) net) at least 3 days in advance. Thanks!

PRESS RELEASE
Sex Workers Action New York (SWANK), swank@riseup.net
Sex Workers Outreach Project - New York City (SWOP-NYC), swop.nyc@gmail.com
Prostitutes of New York (PONY), pony@panix.com
Desiree Alliance, info@DesireeAlliance.org

The Pink Scare: Ms. Palfrey and Sex Panic

New York, NY - The activists at Sex Workers Action New York (SWANK), Sex Workers Outreach Project New York (SWOP-NYC), Prostitutes of New York (PONY) and the nationally-based Desiree Alliance are saddened that Deborah Jeane Palfrey, also known as the D.C. Madam, passed away on May 1st in an apparent suicide. We - prostitutes, strippers, pro-dommes, porn stars, sex experts, and allies - extend our sympathies to all of those hurt by this most recent chapter of the “Pink Scare,” in which oppressive legislation and social stigma partner to generate hysteria around what, for us, can prove to be simply a decent way to make a living.

The circumstances surrounding Ms. Palfrey’s death suggest that Americans reconsider the current state and federal policies that govern sex work, as well as the stigmatization and sensational treatment of those who participate in this industry. Continue reading →

Issue 4.1 East Coast Launch
SpinSpinNYC, SWANK/SWOP-NYC, and $pread present….

$pread it, Spin It Dance Party.

WHEN: Thursday, May 8, 2008 - 10pm - 4am
WHERE: Upstairs @ The Leopard Lounge, 247 E. 5th Street at 2nd Ave., New York, NY
WHAT: Dance Party with Sexy Raffle, Lapdances, Go-Go Contest
COVER: Suggested donation $5
(Click image for a printable invite)