Today is International Day to End Violence against Sex Workers. It was created by Dr. Annie Sprinkle in 2003 as a day to raise awareness of the violence in sex work and to highlight the discrimination that sex workers face. The day is observed globally on December 17th. Events include forums, marches, vigils and memorials.
The red umbrella was first used by sex workers in Venice, Italy in 2001. Slovenian artist Tadej Pogacar collaborated with sex workers to create the "Prostitute Pavillion" and CODE: RED art installation. On the occasion of the 49th Venice Biennale of Art in 2001 they walked the streets together out and proud in a Red Umbrellas March. The red is a colour of beauty and the umbrella protects from the elements. It symbolizes protection and strength.
In Calgary, sex trade workers face the reality of violence everyday. They may be degraded, taunted, have objects thrown at them, and be physically and sexually assaulted. These are all crimes committed against them, as persons. Yet some members of society seem to accept this behaviour towards them by saying, “it serves them right”, or “they set themselves up because of what they do”.
What sex workers do, in a number of venues; from the stroll to nightclubs, massage parlours and through escort agencies, is earn a living to support themselves and their families.
They are our mothers, sisters / brothers, daughters / sons and friends. They are Calgarians, and because they must hide from the stigma imposed upon them, they are isolated and vulnerable to the perpetrators of violence.
At shift, we hear their stories; provide them with support & guidance, and the tools of the trade that could help keep them safe while working; and provide them with the supports and services they need to leave the trade if they choose.
shift services are non-judgmental and as individual as the sex workers we assist.
By utilizing a harm-reduction approach we are able to facilitate in building on the strengths of these brave people.
On this day please remember the people involved in the sex trade that we have lost and risk being lost. Please help us to support the people in the sex trade that risk danger everyday, by considering your values and perceptions and perhaps making a shift yourself.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Sexually Transmitted Hep C
Hepatitis C is transmitted blood to blood, and although it is not listed as a sexually transmitted infection, we would like to point out that it can in fact be transmitted sexually if blood is present.
What is HCV?
HCV, also known as Hep C, is caused by a virus carried in blood. It attacks your liver. You might not have symptoms for many years. By that time the liver damage could be serious.
How is it transmitted?
The virus is passed by blood-to-blood contact. Even though you may not experience symptoms, you can still pass it on to other people.
You can get HCV from:
- Sharing needles, pipes, straws, cookers, filters, ties, or water for drug use with anyone, including your sexual partner.
- Piercing or tattooing equipment (including ink) already used on someone else.
- Anything that might have blood on it, like razors, nail clippers, and toothbrushes already used by someone else, even if you can’t see the blood.
- Unprotected sex with someone who has HCV
How can it be transmitted sexually?
Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange [CATIE] shared a study that pooled health information from Australia, France, Germany, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom to look at sexually transmitted HCV in gay and bisexual men. It should be noted also that the men researched were also living with HIV. The information collected for the study suggested:
that HCV was transmitted through unprotected anal sex that damaged the lining of the rectum. This can occur in several circumstances, including these: having prolonged bouts of unprotected anal intercourse, having multiple episodes of unprotected anal sex, being fisted, having another sexually transmitted infection such as syphilis or LGV, or engaging in substance use (CATIE, 2009)
The study also mentions that substance use can dry out a person’s mucous membranes, which can cause the lining of the rectum to become damaged and bleed. Any damaged mucous membrane can facilitate the entry of HIV and HCV into a person’s body.
Although the study does not look at data specifically on women from these countries, women are still at risk for transmitting or contracting HCV if engaging in the same risk factors, and if menstruating.
For more on this article, please visit the CATIE website at: http://www.catie.ca/catienews.nsf/00a48c8905294f0b8525717f00661eb8/44b2fbfe8100795c852575cc0066c235%21OpenDocument
Testing
A person can have HCV for years without knowing it. It is important to get tested regularly if sexually active. Testing is available through a doctor’s office, or anonymous and confidential testing is available at:
Calgary Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic
Sheldon M. Chumir Centre
5th Floor, 1213 – 4th Street SW
Tel: (403) 955-6700
Safeworks
Sheldon M. Chumir Centre
Main Floor, 1213 – 4th Street SW
Tel: (403) 944-7075
For up-to-date information on Hepatitis C go to http://www.hepcinfo.ca/
What is HCV?
HCV, also known as Hep C, is caused by a virus carried in blood. It attacks your liver. You might not have symptoms for many years. By that time the liver damage could be serious.
How is it transmitted?
The virus is passed by blood-to-blood contact. Even though you may not experience symptoms, you can still pass it on to other people.
You can get HCV from:
- Sharing needles, pipes, straws, cookers, filters, ties, or water for drug use with anyone, including your sexual partner.
- Piercing or tattooing equipment (including ink) already used on someone else.
- Anything that might have blood on it, like razors, nail clippers, and toothbrushes already used by someone else, even if you can’t see the blood.
- Unprotected sex with someone who has HCV
How can it be transmitted sexually?
Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange [CATIE] shared a study that pooled health information from Australia, France, Germany, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom to look at sexually transmitted HCV in gay and bisexual men. It should be noted also that the men researched were also living with HIV. The information collected for the study suggested:
that HCV was transmitted through unprotected anal sex that damaged the lining of the rectum. This can occur in several circumstances, including these: having prolonged bouts of unprotected anal intercourse, having multiple episodes of unprotected anal sex, being fisted, having another sexually transmitted infection such as syphilis or LGV, or engaging in substance use (CATIE, 2009)
The study also mentions that substance use can dry out a person’s mucous membranes, which can cause the lining of the rectum to become damaged and bleed. Any damaged mucous membrane can facilitate the entry of HIV and HCV into a person’s body.
Although the study does not look at data specifically on women from these countries, women are still at risk for transmitting or contracting HCV if engaging in the same risk factors, and if menstruating.
For more on this article, please visit the CATIE website at: http://www.catie.ca/catienews.nsf/00a48c8905294f0b8525717f00661eb8/44b2fbfe8100795c852575cc0066c235%21OpenDocument
Testing
A person can have HCV for years without knowing it. It is important to get tested regularly if sexually active. Testing is available through a doctor’s office, or anonymous and confidential testing is available at:
Calgary Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic
Sheldon M. Chumir Centre
5th Floor, 1213 – 4th Street SW
Tel: (403) 955-6700
Safeworks
Sheldon M. Chumir Centre
Main Floor, 1213 – 4th Street SW
Tel: (403) 944-7075
For up-to-date information on Hepatitis C go to http://www.hepcinfo.ca/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)