Sex Work is Work with Jessica Raven

Stopping sex trafficking sounds like a great idea—and it is! But often, anti-trafficking laws actually make sex workers more vulnerable. We talk with sex work decriminalization advocate and all-around amazing guest Jessica Raven about the myths and realities of the sex trade, and how all us can better support people working in it.

Jessica is the executive director at The Audre Lorde Project and an activist and organizer advocating for sex workers—first with Decrim Now and now with the brand-new Decim NY. Her passion for the work stems from her own experiences with gendered violence, homelessness, and the sex trade. We fell in love with her insight, her voice, and her incredible compassion. You will too.   

Full audio of the interview is under this link

«Those who are most vulnerable to sex trafficking are people who are already in the sex trades, just like any other industry. The solution to ending trafficking in the agriculture industry is not “ban food” or “end demand for food.” That’s not logical. The solution to ending trafficking is by meeting people’s basic needs»

—Jessica Raven, executive director at the Audre Lorde Project and Decrim NY steering committee member

We talk about:

• Jessica’s work with the Audre Lorde Project and Decrim NY
• Recognizing that sex work is work
• Sex trafficking, The Mann Act, and the connection to interracial relationships
• SESTA, FOSTA, and how bills and policies like them endanger the lives of sex workers
• Why closing down a website doesn’t end sex trafficking
• What a healthy sex industry would look like
• How to be a better ally to sex workers

Interview was published on platform https://strong-feelings.simplecast.com