SEX TRADE, JUSTICE and MISAPPROPRIATION

Underbelly News
Downtown Eastside

SEX TRADE, JUSTICE and MISAPPROPRIATION


Once again, there appears to be more untruths being spread about the Sex Trade. Usually these distortion of facts originate from social disservice agencies and feminist based groups with an agenda or attempt to subsume historical movements. Rape Relief and PEERS Vancouver are two groups of many which are guilty of this misappropriation.

OK I know there are some good social service agencies out there but when it boils down to it, many of these groups become indistinguishable from one another due to their silence on Equality and Justice Issues. Often they do not report all the facts or present the whole picture because their funders are only concerned with the outcomes of contractual funding of certain projects.

Many of these groups create band-aid responses and then champion them as solutions. This is wrong!

One recent glaring example of distortion is particularly galling to me since it involves the issue of Equality, Justice and the SEX WORKER MOVEMENT.

A number of groups which purport to work with sex workers and are increasingly jumping on the bandwagon of sex worker issues are now claiming that 70% of sex workers are sexually abused as children.

This stat is misleading on a couple of fronts. Mostly because those reporting this abuse are those who access these social service groups for hand-outs. They may say whatever it is that they know these social control groups in the DTES want to hear.

However, it also needs to be pointed out that this stat if in fact correct it represents less than 1% of a million sex workers worldwide who do not access these groups for services or hand-outs.

As many of my readers know, I have become somewhat critical of social agencies/charities in the DTES. I base my opinions on lived experience. As one of the longest residing residents of the Downtown Eastside, I see what many others may not. I bear witness to the fact of the proliferation of far too many of these agencies.

I happen to be of the belief that if there is Justice in this world, there wouldn't be the need for charity.

And in relation to the Sex Trade and other progressive movements, I hope my readers understand there is always those who desire to destroy individuals and movements in order to have power over, take advantage of or control others in society. It is in their personal interest to do so. It may be to secure employment or create opportunities of which they may personally benefit.

However, whether it is in the public interest or for the greater good doesn't usually factor in to their expressed views or actions. Often, these groups paint sex workers as Victims. Its advantageous for them to address the issue from a Victim and Victimizer stance. There is a whole lot more money involved if you articulate this perspective.

An example I sometimes use in this blog is Councillor Jim Green. He has value to me in that I can teach others what happens when someone meta-morphs from being a supposed community leader to someone who disrespects human values or a progressive movement. I use Mr Green because he makes it so easy.

I always remember his words recently in the Vancouver Sun when he stated "how he lived next door to a prostitute and how uncomfortble it made him". Yet 15 years previously, he stood side by side with one to fight the Expo evictions. He even secured one a living arrangement, was very generous and brought many gifts. He drank, played and went to many social events with one. Flaming isn't it? But uncomfortable--really?

So I guess the point I'm making here folks is this. Don't just trust someone based on a reputation they may have gleaned. Investigate and see whether their actions have caused harm. Be Questioning. Ask whether they are truly worthy. Can they champion human values if their starting place is based on inequality, mistrust, deceit or fraudulent means.

In the end, kindness matters. A Just society is about Equality and Justice. Statistics should never be used as the sole tool for measuring successful outcomes. They too easily can be manipulated, mis-used and re-tooled to fit or serve any purpose.

I ask you once again to please re-consider your support of the Sex Worker Movement. Sex Workers have provided a useful purpose in Society. Always have and Always will.

Yet Sex Workers have no Protection under our Law.

Dear readers, I ask you to keep in mind that if One Group is left behind in Society, we all Lose.

Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com