Sex Workers in Seattle are speaking up for themselves, and they're doing it in style! SASS is the first Seattle Annual Sex Work Symposium

SEATTLE, Dec. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The weekend long celebration is hosted by SWOP-Seattle and is a prelude to December 17^th - the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, during which we remember the victims of the Green River Killer.

The police have vowed to, "bury the notion, once and for all, that prostitution is a victimless crime." We, the providers of Seattle wish to show, once for all, the majority of the men, women, and transsexuals working the sex industry in Seattle are doing so of their own volition. Coverage ranging from articles in the Seattle Times to the UK's Guardian to Rolling Stone discussed prostitution. The commonality in all the coverage is either no currently working sex workers were involved or there was the inclusion of a sole representative voice. However, sex work is difficult to define and includes not only prostitutes but also cam girls/guys, strippers, pro dommes, and more. We are a diverse group - it is time to change the framework of this conversation, remove the filters and have open discourse in a broad, communal way.

The weekend kicks off Friday, 12 December, with SASS Speaks! (doors at 7pm) with monologues about historical whores, singer/songwriter sex workers, films about porn, courtesans, rescue stings, and more.

Saturday, 13 December, has a Sexy Circus Party at 8pm, 3200 Airport Way S., Building 12. This is our chance to let our hair down. We are proud of the work we do; this is our celebration! Internationally known pole-dancers, gravity defying suspension shows, and burlesque along with dancing and games - this event has it all!

Sunday, 13 December, is the time to get serious. Panel 1 is 10am-noon and is Rights Not Rescue - Sex Workers Rights & the Anti-Sex Trafficking Movement. Panel 2 is 1-3pm and is Sex Workers Speak. Both events will be held at the University of Washington.

Events culminate on Wednesday, 17 December,with a vigil on the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. Created by Annie Sprinkle, it is to honor the victims of the Green River Killer.

Panelists include Emi Koyama, Kristen DiAngelo, Maggie Mayhem, Melinda Chateauvert, and Savannah Sly. Performers include Sailor St. Clair, Randi Rascal, Pantera Blacksmith and Crystal Tassels.  Please see the SASS website (www.seattle-sass.org) for more info.

For the safety of the currently working sex workers, entry will be closely monitored. Please contact media coordinator, Capri Sunshine at [email protected] for more info on locations and admittance.

Contact: Capri Sunshine, Media Coordinator 
SWOP-Seattle 
[email protected] 
1-206-366-5820

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sex-workers-in-seattle-are-speaking-up-for-themselves-and-theyre-doing-it-in-style--sass-is-the-first-seattle-annual-sex-work-symposium-300009228.html

SOURCE SWOP-Seattle

Related Links

http://seattle-sass.org/