Sex Workers Outreach Project Question
Hi y'all,
One of my friends runs SWOP Orlando and got the idea in her head that she should go into clubs and try to get women to get health insurance and start socking away money for retirement.
My first thought was that, hey, this might not go over so well, kinda patronizing, but she worked in a club back in the 80s and claims starting on a 401k back then was good for her, so... Who knows?
I just wanted to run this by you all first before people make asses of themselves.
Also - what would you all want from SWOP, if anything? Locally, it seems that it's just escorts and we should be serving all sex workers.
Thanks!
Re: Sex Workers Outreach Project Question
I personally would rather just be left alone to work when I'm in the club. Coming into the club, while well intentioned, sounds a bit like those cupcake girls/Angie's angels who came in trying to help women leave the industry. However, those of you who work at clubs I definitely think asking the managers approval to put up one of those "take a tab with a phone number" posters up with some info/resources.
Also I'm pretty sure SWOP organizes legal and health clinics and has q and as with accountants etc on money management? Or at least they did in Chicago :)
Re: Sex Workers Outreach Project Question
I agree that it sounds like an idea that would seem more "I'm better than you, this is why". While I would have loved to have known my options earlier in my career, it would not have gone well if I were half drunk and had the impression that someone could run my life better. But it is a great idea to make more dancers aware of their options and I would suggest she make up some fliers to put in the dressing rooms. Include the organizations info, what they can help with, and let the dancers call to make appointments. In the future she may be able to set up workshops for groups of sex workers to come, have refreshments, and actually have a professional, from the financial and insurance fields, come in to explain and take questions that may be more in depth.
It's not like they will get flooded with calls of interest. How many dancers do you currently know interested in this stuff? I've known a handful or 2 that would ask me questions about financial things (Everyone in my club was flabbergasted when they found out I paid taxes) and 5 in my ENTIRE career that were interested enough to actually become financially responsible.
Re: Sex Workers Outreach Project Question
Honestly, having worked in Orlando clubs and cocoa beach clubs for almost eight years I can tell you that most of the girls who would be interested already have that sort of thing going. I have a stock portfolio and a 401k myself. The rest are living hand to mouth for whatever reason (single moms, drugs, poor earning potential due to the some of the strictest laws in the nation) or have no real interest in what they'll be doing financially next month, let alone next year or in twenty years. Also Orlando area dancers can be really uptight about being called sex workers due to no contact laws. God forbid you call one a "stripper," let alone a "sex worker." They're "entertainers." Flyers might get a little response if management is all right with it, though.
Re: Sex Workers Outreach Project Question
I fourth the flyer idea, maybe with a focus on health insurance instead of retirement, since it's a good that people need much more immediately. Once you get them to make an appointment where you help them purchase insurance for themselves and their kids, then you can also mention some stuff about how starting to save earlier gets them extra years of compound interest and show them what putting away an extra $50/week will do long term, etc.
But yeah, going into clubs would likely be no good. The dancers would likely feel condescended to, even though that's not your intent.
Re: Sex Workers Outreach Project Question
Thanks ladies! Passed this on to her, guess flyers are the way to go!
Re: Sex Workers Outreach Project Question
Why not offer classes or webinars on financial literacy aimed at sex work careers?
Re: Sex Workers Outreach Project Question
We have a group that comes in twice a year to offer outreach. They're very nice, some of them are former dancers or escorts and they're not pushy or condescending at all. They do offer help with transitioning out of dancing, but mostly help with resources for domestic violence, drug additction and medical care.
I talked to them when they came in around Easter and they were really cool. When I mentioned that I stopped going to church partially for fear of judgment, they have me info on their church and left it at that.
A lot of dancers probably won't be interested in a retirement plan, especially if they're just barely making ends meet. Gathering resources for abuse counseling may help a lot more, considering the shit that dancers have to deal with and how much of a toll it takes.
Re: Sex Workers Outreach Project Question
I think its a great idea. Wish there was someone like this when i was stripping.
Wish there was someone to advise cam girls. We work on commission, and usually don't make anywhere near what strippers do.