What do sex workers want? | Juno Mac | TEDxEastEnd

Summary

In this talk, a sex worker shares a personal perspective on the harms caused by different legal approaches to prostitution. The speaker critiques full criminalization, partial criminalization, the Nordic model, and legalization, arguing that these laws make sex work more dangerous by increasing stigma, forcing people into isolation, and exposing them to abuse. They advocate for the decriminalization of sex work, as implemented in New Zealand, where sex workers have more protection, autonomy, and safety. The speaker emphasizes that sex work is labor, deserving of rights and protections like any other job.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The speaker addresses sex work from a personal perspective, explaining why she chose to enter the industry due to financial struggles.
• 🚫 She critiques the various legal frameworks regulating sex work worldwide, arguing that full criminalization traps workers in a cycle of poverty and criminal records.
• 👮‍♀️ The criminalization of sex work can lead to abuse and corruption by authorities, exposing workers to increased violence and risk.
• 💔 Partial criminalization forces sex workers to operate alone, making them more vulnerable to violence and exploitation.
• 🇸🇪 The speaker criticizes the Swedish/Nordic model, which criminalizes buyers, as it pushes sex workers into more dangerous situations with less control over their work.
• ⚖️ Legalization is seen as problematic because it creates a tiered system that favors well-connected individuals and marginalizes vulnerable workers.
• 🛑 Prohibition and harsh laws amplify stigma and social discrimination against sex workers, making their work more dangerous and less accepted.
• 👥 The speaker advocates for decriminalization, similar to the New Zealand model, which treats sex work as any other labor, thus providing workers with rights and safety.
• 📣 She emphasizes the importance of involving sex workers in legislation processes to ensure that their voices and needs are represented.
• 🤝 The global movement for decriminalization and labor rights in sex work seeks broader support, arguing that sex workers deserve safe working conditions and respect.

Q & A

Who is the speaker and what makes their perspective on prostitution unique?

The speaker is a former sex worker who is not a police officer, social worker, academic, journalist, or politician, making their perspective unique as it comes from lived experience rather than external observation or authority.

Why did the speaker initially turn to sex work?

The speaker turned to sex work because they were working two dead-end, minimum wage jobs that were not enough to cover their expenses. They viewed sex work as a better option to survive and pay their rent.

What is the speaker's view on full criminalization of sex work?

The speaker believes full criminalization is harmful as it traps sex workers in the industry. People with criminal records struggle to find conventional jobs, forcing them to continue in sex work. It also exposes them to abuse by police and reduces their safety.

How does partial criminalization affect sex workers?

Partial criminalization, where surrounding activities like brothel-keeping are illegal, forces sex workers to work alone, making them more vulnerable to violence. It also empowers violent clients, as sex workers fear contacting the police due to their own illegal status.

What is the Nordic model and why does the speaker criticize it?

The Nordic model criminalizes the buyers of sex, aiming to reduce demand. The speaker criticizes it because it forces sex workers to lower their prices or take more risks to secure clients, making their work more dangerous without actually reducing prostitution levels.

Why does the speaker argue that legalization is also problematic?

The speaker argues that legalization creates a two-tiered system, where wealthier brothel owners can comply with regulations, but more marginalized workers are forced to work illegally. This 'backdoor criminalization' leaves vulnerable people still exposed to harm.

What is the main argument against criminalizing buyers of sex?

Criminalizing buyers under the Nordic model makes sex work riskier by forcing sex workers to accept untraceable clients and work in isolated locations. This reduces their ability to screen clients, increasing their vulnerability to violence.

What alternative legal approach does the speaker advocate for, and where is it implemented?

The speaker advocates for full decriminalization of sex work, which is implemented in New Zealand. Under decriminalization, sex work is treated like any other job, and sex workers can work together for safety without fear of legal repercussions.

How does decriminalization in New Zealand benefit sex workers?

Decriminalization in New Zealand allows sex workers to refuse clients at any time, work together for safety, and holds employers accountable for protecting their rights. As a result, 96% of street workers feel that the law protects their rights.

What is the speaker’s overall conclusion about laws targeting sex work?

The speaker concludes that all forms of criminalization—whether full, partial, or focused on buyers—create more danger and harm for sex workers. They argue that decriminalization and granting labor rights to sex workers is the safest and most effective solution.