From Bound, not Gagged:
Update from Sex Worker advocates at UN in Geneva this week
“Tomorrow, November 5, 2010, the United States will be reviewed as part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process at the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva. The session can be viewed online as a webcast.
(snip)
In preparation for the upcoming review, advocates for the rights of sex workers consulted with networks and organizations working with sex workers, people in the sex trade and people who are affected by anti-prostitution policies in the United States more generally. Drawing on these perspectives, the Best Practices Policy Project, in collaboration with Desiree Alliance and the Sexual Rights Initiative, drafted a comprehensive national statement http://www.bestpracticespolicy.org/downloads/FinalUPRBPPP_Formatted.pdf that describes the ways in which stigmatization and criminalization of sex workers in the United States result in widespread violations of civil and human rights. These abuses are rampant in working class, majority African-American and Latino, and urban communities. Arrests for sex work can lead to a cycle of continued exclusion from housing, marginalization from formal employment, and re-imprisonment. Furthermore, law enforcement officers frequently commit physical and sexual violence against sex workers, while simultaneously failing to recognize that sex workers can be victims of crime, denying justice or support to sex workers who seek their help.”
Wow, this is impressive. Way to go advocates!
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From Palm Beach Post:
Cheetah patron, injured by stripper’s shoe, wins $650,000 judgment
“A man who sued after being struck in the face by a strip dancer’s shoe at the Cheetah nightclub, seriously injuring his eye, has won a $650,000 judgment.
(snip)
Ireland, a roofer, has experienced chronic double vision since stripper Sakeena Shageer’s shoe made contact with his eye at the suburban West Palm Beach club in September 2008, Lytal said.
“When this case was first filed, many people criticized it simply because it occurred at a strip club,” Lytal said. “But we feel the $650,000 settlement goes to show that this was a serious case with serious injuries.”"
I was positive I had blogged about this incident but can’t find it in my archives. Nonetheless, it’s an interesting case. The amount of the settlement surprised me.
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From Queerty:
Georgia Megachurch Pastor Jim Swilley: I’m Gay, And I’m Telling You Because Of Those Bullycides
“Is it terrible that my first instinct, upon learning Georgia megapastor Jim Swilley has come out, is thinking he must have a secret gay sex scandal that he’s trying to get in front of? Eddie Long and Ted Haggard have ruined it for everyone! But really, this is an amazing story. Keep your chin up for it.
(snip)
The pastor made the announcement to his congregation two weeks ago (yes, it takes time for some stories to trickle), with his family in the audience and decided to come out now after witnessing the rash of gay youths killing themselves. One Internet forum poster says that unlike Atlanta’s Long (whom Swilley won’t speak about), Swilley has not used the pulpit to denigrate gays: “For those of you familiar with Church In the Now, while never discussing his own sexuality, you know that Swilley has always preached a message of inclusion, love and abundance for all God’s children. Bishop Swilley has been asked to step down as Bishop, but will remain as Pastor.” (That last part we haven’t confirmed.)”
Like Queerty, I too assumed there was some sort of sex scandal behind Swilley’s outing. So this was a nice surprise. I’m glad to read that he preached a message of inclusion for gays.
Posted by Vixen in News, Sex Workers