Human trafficking IS NOT the same as sex work!!!

Check out this article from thegoodmenproject.com by Raymond Bechard:

goodmenproject.com/ethics-values/what-do-you-really-know-about-hookers/comment-page-1

I feel like screaming it from the top of my crappy apartment....TRAFFICKING IS SLAVERY, IT IS NOT THE SAME AS CONSENSUAL SEX WORK!!!! I would probably consider going outside to scream this, except it's way too cold. And there's snow. Anyways, what is the deal with this guy? Can someone please explain it to me, because I'm at a loss. He writes:

"What can be stated as fact in the realm of commercial sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and prostitution is limited to the human suffering of its individual victims. Each of them began their lives with promise. And each of them had that promise broken and torn away. Though our urge to quantify the problem often compromises our rational and critical judgment, we must not also let it diminish the humanity of the individual who is fighting to escape and survive."

Hmm..is he sure about that? Has he actually spoken to a real prostitute, who is choosing to be a sex worker, and who feels proud and empowered by her choices (and by all of the cash that she's raking in)? I bet he hasn't. I know plenty of sex workers who aren't suffering. Or...am I just hallucinating?

I left this comment in response to his article:

What do I know about hookers? Quite a lot actually. I know enough to know that prostitution/sex work IS NOT THE SAME THING as human trafficking. I don’t understand why the author continues to confuse the two. I think his campaign against the trafficking of individuals who are underage and/or forced into sex slavery is a very important one. However, why can’t we just keep the facts straight? The author constantly uses the words “hooker” and “prostitution,” referring to the work of consenting adult sex workers. If the author cannot distinguish between these two very different things, then what makes him a credible source? I find this to be very worrisome…
I am a sex worker advocate, and know many women who have been involved in the sex industry (whether it be escorting, pornography, or dancing) by choice, and who were proud of their career choice. These are not women who are being forced or coerced. These are women who have made a choice to do what they wish with THEIR bodies. Shouldn’t we all have that basic right?
If prostitution were legal in CT (and other states), we would likely see a drop in trafficking. Prostitution would have actual regulations, and workers could have access to medical screens, as well as legal rights. Connecticut would save aprox half a million dollars per year if police stopped wasting their time arresting prostitutes. Anyways…I digress. My point is that PROSTITUTION IS NOT THE SAME AS TRAFFICKING. The title of this article is misleading, as there is no actual mention of real “hookers” in the article.
For an actual dose of truth regarding sex work, check out my blog at http://legalizetoprotect.blogspot.com
I am a sex worker advocate in CT, and starting a Sex Workers Outreach Project in my state.
Xoxo
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It's "awaiting moderation," so we'll see how that turns out. I'm all for freedom of speech, and this man certainly has the right to publish these articles. Also, I don't doubt that he's doing a lot of great work for the community. But seriously, can he just get his facts and semantics straight? 

Hello everyone!!! I am back from Japan...unfortunately. What a wonderful trip!! Anyways, we need to get things moving on SWOP-CT! The facebook group (Sex Workers Outreach Project CT) has 30 people, and I am hoping for more! Please spread the word to any other advocates and/or sex workers that may be interested in this cause. UPDATES: I am waiting to hear from members of SWOP-NYC in order to meet with a mentor from the NYC group. Anyone who is part of the facebook group is welcomed to come! Just ask to join the group (it is a closed group, so you will need my permission to join) and post on the wall.

Also, there is a very important event taking place in Colchester CT on April 21, 2012 and I hope that everyone can attend. https://www.facebook.com/events/271687639559420/    Here is the link to the facebook page. The women that were killed were all escorts, and the killer is still on the loose. Please attend this fundraiser and help support this cause.

Date: Saturday April 21, 2012
Time: 1:00 pm- 5:30 pm
Location: Truck Toyz, 367 Lebanon Ave. ( RT 16) , Colchester, CT
In memory of Melissa, Maureen, Megan and Amber

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