Advocacy is a powerful word that can mean many things to many people. But for sex workers, it’s a term often misunderstood, misused, and overshadowed by stereotypes and stigma. When we think about advocacy, it’s not just about protests or political activism — it’s about speaking up, standing firm, and pushing for the rights and respect that all workers deserve.
At its core, advocacy is about support, empowerment, and action. It’s about making sure our voices are heard and that our rights are respected. For sex workers, it’s about ensuring that we are not just surviving, but thriving, in an industry that too often marginalises and criminalises us. So, what does it truly mean to be an advocate for sex workers? And how can we all contribute to the cause, regardless of where we are in the world or our own experiences?
Advocacy Isn’t Just Protesting: It’s Everyday Action
While large-scale political activism has its place — marching on the streets, writing submissions, or calling for legislative changes — advocacy is not limited to these high-profile actions. It’s something we can all practice in our daily lives, in ways big and small, that make a profound impact over time.
For those of us who live in areas where sex work is decriminalised, we have the privilege — and responsibility — to stand up for those in regions where it’s still criminalised or heavily stigmatised. Even in our own communities, there are countless ways to advocate for sex workers, whether you’re a worker yourself or an ally.
One of the most fundamental forms of advocacy is standing up for yourself. This could mean advocating for better medical care when you face discrimination or educating doctors who’ve harmed you through ignorance or bias. It’s about not being afraid to push back when you’re mistreated or your concerns are dismissed. If you’re ever in a situation where you’ve been treated unfairly or discriminated against, whether in healthcare, by the police, or in your personal life, it’s important to take action. This can include filing complaints against those who have stigmatised you or seeking support from organisations that can help escalate these situations.
Speaking Up in Difficult Situations
Every day, sex workers encounter forms of discrimination, whether subtle or overt. Perhaps you’ve faced bullying at university, been judged by other parents at your child’s school, or had your professional life questioned by others simply because of your work you do now. These situations can be incredibly isolating and painful, but you are not alone. Your community stands with you, and collectively, we can challenge these injustices.
Take a stand. It can be intimidating, but it’s important to remind others that these actions are not acceptable. Whether it’s educating someone on the realities of sex work, speaking up when you see injustice, or supporting others who face similar struggles, each step you take is part of a larger movement toward acceptance and equality.
The Harsh Realities of the Industry: How Advocacy Can Address Violence and Injustice
The work that advocates do in the sex work community often extends beyond everyday discrimination. Some situations are so harrowing that they shake the foundation of the entire community. The tragic deaths of sex workers, like the two women murdered in Melbourne two years ago, serve as painful reminders of the systemic violence faced by those in the industry. And when cases like this result in grossly inadequate sentencing or a lack of justice, the feeling of injustice reverberates deeply.
This is why advocacy is so important. It’s not just about individual acts of resistance or speaking up in the moment — it’s about building a culture that demands justice, holds abusers accountable, and ensures that all workers, no matter their line of work, are treated with dignity and respect. The advocacy efforts of sex work organisations are crucial in this fight, but it’s also something that we can all contribute to in our own way.
Media and the Power of Representation
Another vital aspect of advocacy is the way sex workers engage with the media. Whether you’re involved in the media circus or not, we all need to be aware of how our stories are told and the consequences of sharing personal details in a public space. Recently, we’ve seen how media exposure has harmed sex workers, with instances where workers’ visas were canceled or personal details were made public without their consent. These stories highlight the need for mindfulness when navigating the intersection of sex work and the media.
As a community, we need to be cautious about how we share our experiences and be aware of the impact our words might have — not just on our own lives, but on others in the industry. Sometimes the consequences of a media appearance or a statement aren’t immediately visible, but they ripple out and affect the lives of others, particularly in a world where the internet amplifies everything. By being mindful of how we communicate, we can protect ourselves and our peers from potential harm while still fighting for greater visibility and recognition.
Advocacy Through Understanding and Education
Ultimately, advocacy is about more than just speaking out — it’s about building understanding, challenging misconceptions, and learning to communicate effectively. We need to be mindful of the diverse experiences within our community and approach advocacy with empathy, respect, and solidarity. Whether you’re advocating for yourself or others, it’s important to take the time to learn about the issues at hand, understand different perspectives, and work together to create a more just and equitable world.
Sex workers have been fighting for rights, recognition, and respect for decades, and we’ve made incredible strides. But there is still a long way to go. Advocacy may look different for everyone, but the core message is the same: stand up, speak out, and support one another. When we all contribute, in our own ways, to the cause of advocacy, we create a ripple effect that can lead to real, lasting change.
Being an advocate doesn’t require grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s the small, everyday acts of resistance that make the biggest difference. Let’s all step up, in whatever way we can, to ensure that sex workers everywhere are treated with the dignity, respect, and rights they deserve.
