Supporting the Sex Workers’ Freedom Festival

Last week, Kolkata, India, was home to one of the largest gatherings of sex workers from around the world. The alternative International AIDS Conference, better known as the Sex Workers’ Freedom Festival was held in Kolkata from July 22-27, 2012. This alternative conference was held at the same time as the International AIDS Conferencein Washington, D.C., in reaction to the fact that the USA does not grant travel visas to sex workers and those with drug addictions. The conference in India was largely organized by Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee (DMSC), a Kolkata based organization well established in working with sex workers’ groups. The timing was also aligned with the 20 year anniversary of the Sonagachi Project led by the DMSC, a cooperative that began in 1992 to teach sex workers about HIV, how to use condoms and to stand up for themselves against abuse. Although I was only able to be there for the first day of the conference, it was obvious from all the energy and excitement of the delegates that it is going to be spectacular. Many of the introductory speakers stressed the importance of having this event in India, and in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) in particular. Historically, the city of Calcutta has been one of the largest red light districts in India, and at the forefront of sex workers’ activism. The participants came from Europe, South America, Australia and more. Everyone was excited to finally let the sex workers themselves speak about issues that most affect them. Groups and organizations from all over the world were present. (more…) http://www.tb-credit.ru/zaimy-online.html http://www.tb-credit.ru/microkredit.html