International Sex Workers Rights Day

March 3rd, 2011 will mark the tenth annual International Sex Workers Rights Day. This event originally began in India when thousands of sex workers gathered at a sex worker festival. At the time, the members of this group wanted people to realize that sex workers in third world countries are no different from ones in first world nations. Sex workers in this group wanted their voices to be heard and their rights to be respected. Since that event, sex worker groups around the world began to mark that day, naming it the International Sex Workers Rights Day. The Shift program understands the importance of sex workers rights, and utilizes a human rights based approach when working with people in the sex trade. When the Shift program first developed in 2007, Shift has annually observed March 3rd as a way to honour the rights of sex workers everywhere.

In preparation for this year’s International Sex Workers Rights Day, Shift has put together a committee comprised of community members and sex workers. The committee’s intent for this year’s event is to bring awareness to community members about the rights of local sex workers. The committee has hired Antyx, (formerly known as All Nations Theatre) to perform short, interactive scenes that will examine the common stereotypes, misconceptions, and human rights violations that sex workers are constantly faced with. The performance will be used as a means to begin a dialogue amongst community members and provide a platform for deeper discussions about this often misconceived topic. The committee hopes that the interactive theatre will raise community awareness, as well as inspire a shift in perception around stigmas attached to sex work.

The event will be held on Friday March 4th from 7pm-9pm at the Eau Clare Market community space-202, 200 Barclay Parade SW
Calgary, AB T2P 4R5.

If you would like more information contact Shift: (403) 237-8171 or info@shiftcalgary.org

Self Care

Sex work is both physically and emotionally demanding, so it’s no surprise that burnout is a high risk for individuals who work in the sex industry. Taking care of your physical and emotional health is essential in improving the overall quality of your life and there are many ways in which you can increase your self-care strategies.

Ways to promote physical well-being:

• Like any person working with the public, individuals working in the sex trade are in contact with numerous people throughout the day. To avoid getting viruses that may be going around, wash your hands as often as possible. If water is not available, use hand sanitizer. (“Prevention and Rehabilitation”, 2009).
• Get adequate sleep.
• Engage in physical activities that you enjoy, such as taking a walk, riding a bike, or yoga.
• Take breaks throughout your work day and try to reduce the number of hours you work, and if possible, the number of clients you see.
• Ensure you are drinking enough water and staying hydrated while working, always keep a bottle of water with you. Keeping water with you will help you avoid drinking too many sports drinks and sodas which can actually de-hydrate you.
• Make healthy decisions about the food that you consume. As much as possible add a mix of fruits and vegetables, and “meat alternatives such as beans, lentils and tofu” (“Meat and Alternatives”, 2008) to your daily diet. To avoid eating fast food and overly sugary snacks when working, always keep healthy snack foods like granola bars, with you. Eating a nourishing diet is important in maintaining healthy brain functioning, and “helps us make safer, more logical choices” (“Prevention and Rehabilitation”, 2009).
• On days when you are feeling worn-out, suggest sexual activities that may not be as strenuous for you to your clients.
• Get tested regularly for HIV and other STI’s. Getting tested will not only keep you in control of your physical health, but it can also bring you peace of mind.

Ways to promote emotional well-being:

• Maintain a healthy support system.
• Write your emotions and feelings down in a journal. Having an outlet for your emotions is an extremely healing process.
• Find ways to center yourself. Excellent ways to discover your center and relax your mind are through meditation or yoga.
• Have a good laugh. Laughter can do wonders for your spirit!
• Engage in hobbies that are of interest to you, like painting or writing poetry.
• Listen to music that brings you happiness.
• Learn to cook. Cooking can be quite relaxing and is also a great way to maintain a healthy diet.
• Read. Reading can be a great way to escape without actually having to go anywhere.
• Access services. There are agencies that offer free and confidential testing and counseling, along with many other services.

Contact Shift for more information on how and where to obtain these services:
110, 1603 10th Avenue SW
(403) 237-8171
info@shiftclagary.org

References:
Health Canada (2008, January 14). Meat and Alternatives. Retrieved on January 13, 2011 from http://hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/choose-choix/meat-viande/index-eng.php
Trade Secrets (2009, November 13). Prevention and rehabilitation. Retrieved on January 13, 2011 from http://tradesecretsguide.blogspot.com/search/label/Our%20Bodies