SWOP-NYC has open meetings once a month for sex workers and our allies.

We identify as sex-positive, gender-inclusive, radical, queer-positive, kink and BDSM-friendly, critical of capitalism(though not necessarily anti-capitalist).

Read more about:

• SWOP-NYC
• Sex Workers Action New yorK (SWANK)
• The SWOP National Network

In response to a July, 13th New York Daily News news article reporting on the arrest of Monica Gonzales for alleged prostitution — charges that were subsequently dropped, and that were apparently brought simply because Ms. Gonzalez was walking in an area targeted by the police for prostitution arrests — members of swop-nyc have sent the following statement to the editors of the Daily News:

The unfortunate arrest of Ms. Gonzalez brings to light a fundamental
flaw in the laws that govern prostitution in New York State. Herein, a
police officer may arrest a person for loitering for the purposes of
prostitution with only “probable cause” as their grounds for doing so.
In many cases, like that of Ms. Gonzalez, people are charged,
stigmatized, and sometimes made the focus of media attention, simply
for making certain gestures, being on a certain street or dressing in
a certain way. In short, non-criminal behaviors and people can be and
regularly are arrested simply because the police don’t like the looks
of them. Of course, those who bear the brunt of these oppressive
practices often already face discrimination on the basis of their
race, sexual and/or gender identity, and economic class. It is high
time that this crime be removed from the law books, so that Ms.
Gonzalez and others like her are no longer victimized by abuses of
police power.
Maryse Mitchell-Brody
Sex Workers Outreach Project - NYC

July’s open SWOP-NYC meeting will convene on July 24, rather than the usual third Thursday of the month, in order to avoid conflicting with the Desiree Alliance Conference. SWOP-NYC meetings are open to current & former sex workers as well as allies.

The meeting will take place from 7-9pm at our usual location. If you have not yet attended a meeting and need to be screened, please email swank@riseup.net as soon as possible to get screened & the address for the meeting. Someone there will get back to you within a few days.

Future SWOP-NYC meetings (from August onwards) will continue to meet as usual on the third thursday of each month from 7-9PM.

This event is co-sponsored by SWANK and SWOP-NYC.

SWANK will be hosting a Know Your Rights Training on Tuesday, July 1st at 7pm in the East Village. Please contact swank@riseup.net for more information and screening for this meeting.

SWANK Meetings will be held the first Tuesday of the month for the duration of the summer

SWOP-NYC Meetings will be held the third Thursday of the month until further notice.

Don’t forget: if this is your first meeting you will need to introduce yourself by email (swank (at) riseup (dot) net) at least 3 days in advance. Thanks!

PRESS RELEASE
Sex Workers Action New York (SWANK), swank@riseup.net
Sex Workers Outreach Project - New York City (SWOP-NYC), swop.nyc@gmail.com
Prostitutes of New York (PONY), pony@panix.com
Desiree Alliance, info@DesireeAlliance.org

The Pink Scare: Ms. Palfrey and Sex Panic

New York, NY - The activists at Sex Workers Action New York (SWANK), Sex Workers Outreach Project New York (SWOP-NYC), Prostitutes of New York (PONY) and the nationally-based Desiree Alliance are saddened that Deborah Jeane Palfrey, also known as the D.C. Madam, passed away on May 1st in an apparent suicide. We - prostitutes, strippers, pro-dommes, porn stars, sex experts, and allies - extend our sympathies to all of those hurt by this most recent chapter of the “Pink Scare,” in which oppressive legislation and social stigma partner to generate hysteria around what, for us, can prove to be simply a decent way to make a living.

The circumstances surrounding Ms. Palfrey’s death suggest that Americans reconsider the current state and federal policies that govern sex work, as well as the stigmatization and sensational treatment of those who participate in this industry. Continue reading →

Issue 4.1 East Coast Launch
SpinSpinNYC, SWANK/SWOP-NYC, and $pread present….

$pread it, Spin It Dance Party.

WHEN: Thursday, May 8, 2008 - 10pm - 4am
WHERE: Upstairs @ The Leopard Lounge, 247 E. 5th Street at 2nd Ave., New York, NY
WHAT: Dance Party with Sexy Raffle, Lapdances, Go-Go Contest
COVER: Suggested donation $5
(Click image for a printable invite)

Thursday, March 13, 2008

New York, NY - In the last few days, Governor Eliot Spitzer has publicly admitted to being associated with an escort agency and is considering resignation. As sex worker advocates, we are concerned about the representation and fate of “Kristen” and sex workers who are being thrust into the spotlight because of the investigation into the Governor. We also share the widespread concern for Governor Spitzer’s family.

Sex worker organizations urge the press and the public to focus on the violation of sex workers rights and the need to change these laws and policies, rather than simply on the story of one individual who has purchased sexual services. Continue reading →