A Vancouver non-profit organization is celebrating the annual International Day To End Violence Against Sex Workers by sharing their stories.
PACE Society has published a chapbook called Sex Worker Wisdom.
“It’s really about dispelling the stigma, celebrating that sex work is work, and that sex workers are like any other human being,” Executive Director Laura Dilley said.
She said sharing their stories can help people know what sex workers have to endure.
“Let the public know how much violence sex workers face on a day-to-day basis based on stigma and myths around their work,” Dilley said.
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“Many sex workers often don’t access supports, often live in the shadows, often do not tell anyone what they’re doing, which then leads to more violence.”
Dilley hopes telling their stories will help make the profession safer.
The group also launched a fundraiser to help raise money for the organization.
The day was marked by protests and events held around the world to highlight the issues affecting sex workers.