Call for Performers: San Francisco Sex Workers Film and Arts Festival Cabaret

Posted on March 23, 2011 by scarlotharlot

During every Sex Worker Festival we have a cabaret variety show at SOMArts Gallery to showcase sex workers’ live performance. We prioritize a variety of media and encourage diverse participation and especially encourage street-based workers, trans, queer and sex workers of color.

We have a small stipend to pay performers, and are especially interested in showcasing performance artists who have not traditionally performed in the festival or other sex worker arts festivals in the past.

Each act will have a maximum 10 minutes, and performers are required to attend a dress rehearsal two weeks before opening night.

To submit your work, please send us the following:

-A short description of your performance

-Any videos, recordings, or photographs of your act (not required, but if you have any, that would help!)
-A brief explanation why you think your performance is suitable for the Sex Worker Film & Arts Festival

-Any tech, space, or equipment needs you have
Please send your info before May 1, 2011 (especially for promotional deadlines).

If interested in performing, please call 503-348-7666 or email sexworkerfest(at)gmail.com.

Filed under: Art, Conferences, Sex Worker Rights | Tagged: , | Leave a comment »

Call for Presenters: Workshops at the San Francisco Sex Workers Festival

Posted on March 23, 2011 by scarlotharlot

Call for Presenters: Workshops at the San Francisco Sex Workers Festival

The San Francisco Sex Workers Festival was established in 1998 to provide a forum for the accomplishments of sex worker film and video makers and to screen works about sex workers and the sex industries from around the world. The Sex Worker Festival provides an opportunity to recognize and honor prostitutes, dancers, porn performers and other sex workers, who have historically been a dynamic part of arts communities.

This year, the San Francisco Sex Workers Festival will include a day of workshops, on Friday, May 27th, sponsored by SWAAY (Sex Work Activists, Allies, and You). The general theme will be sex workers learning from each other on topics focused on their personal lives, self-care, skills that apply to all areas of sex work, and activism at the individual level.

Since most of the festival centers on the arts, we are prioritizing non-art submissions for these workshops. The length of this day’s event, as well as the session length, are yet to be determined, and will be finalized after submissions are selected. However, session lengths will likely be either 60 or 45 minutes, depending on the number of accepted proposals, so please keep that limit in mind with the scope of your session idea.

This event takes place in San Francisco, and you must have your own means to travel to the event, as there is not a budget to pay for speakers. However, if you are coming from outside the area, you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck with being able to attend the week- long festival and network with other sex workers.

Your proposal should include:
* A title.
* Your name, affiliation, and a little bit about your background or interest in sex work.
* The style of your proposed session: lecture, group discussion, panel, etc.
* Have you presented on this topic previously? When and where?
* A more detailed abstract of what you would like to cover, less than 500 words.

The deadline for these proposals is April 1st, 2011. You will be notified whether or not your proposal was accepted by April 5th, 2011. There will also be time for short, 5-10 minute lightning talks during the lunch hour. (Lightning talks are brief lecture-format presentations for people who don’t need a full session to cover their material, but would like to quickly get it out there to the audience.) These slots are on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you know you want to do a lightning talk and have a topic in mind, please submit a proposal so we can try to guarantee you a spot. It may also be possible to sign up for a lightning talk shortly before the event or on the spot.

Send your proposals to furrygirl (at) furrygirl.com with the subject line “Workshop proposal for the Sex Workers Festival”

Filed under: Activism, Announcements, Art | Leave a comment »

Call for Submissions: Sex Workers Zine Project – Deadline extended to May 1, 2011

Posted on March 10, 2011 by sarah jenny

The Sex Worker Zine Project seeks to create a zine showcasing the diversity of sex workers’ experiences of all genders, sexualities, ages, abilities, nationalities, immigration statuses, and ethnic backgrounds. International submissions encouraged! This yet to be titled zine will be printed in full cover and will be available for sale with profits supporting the work of SWOP-NYC. All accepted contributors will receive a free copy of the completed zine.

How to Contribute

Are you a current or former sex worker or someone who has experienced trading sex for money, food, housing, drugs, hormones, and/or other survival needs? We want to hear from you! Please submit your work on a sheet of paper 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ (ex. half a sheet of letter size paper) with quarter inch margins, full color (or black and white, high contract) page to our zine project. Please do not fold the paper if possible. Include on a separate page (either attached with a paper clip or leave unattached) your name (does not need to be your legal name), age, email address and/or phone number, and a mailing address should you wish to receive a copy if your page is makes it in the final project. Please state how, if at all, you wish to be credited for your work. (ex. Sparkley Stacey, John Doe, Anonymous in India, etc.) Be creative! Use pens, markers, collage, glitter, what ever way you wish to express yourself! You can use text or images alone or together. You can submit up to five pages but we will probably only be able to print one page per person. Your original materials will not be returned to you.

Your submission must be postmarked by May 1, 2011.

Mail your submission to:

Sarah Jenny
721 Broadway
4th Floor, ITP
New York, NY 10003 USA

Contribute In Person!

We will be providing supplies to make your own contribution at the International Day for Sex Workers’ Rights Potluck on Tuesday, March 1st in New York City. More information coming soon!

Prompts & Ideas for Submissions

  • Your techniques for self-care, ex. bubble bath, cooking a good meal, playing with your dog, etc.
  • Techniques for harm reduction, ex. getting tested regularly, tips for screening clients, strategies for staying safe, etc.
  • How To Be An Ally To Sex Workers
  • Tips for Partners of Sex Workers – how to be supportive, how to decide whether or not to come out to a partner, etc.
  • Illustrate your favorite work outfit
  • Illustrate your favorite outfit in general!
  • What does a bad day at work feel like? How do you cope? What would you like to see change?
  • Illustrate and write about what sex work is like in your city, region, or country.
  • Illustrate and write about what you imagine ideal working conditions to be like — ex. decriminalization, health care, etc.
  • Tell us about your sex worker community!
  • A list of your favorite support resources, books, magazines, and organizations
  • Anything else you wish to add!

Filed under: Art, Media | Leave a comment »

“If it happens in Vegas…it’s still illegal” FUNDRAISING DEADLINE June 18

Posted on June 2, 2010 by thegoddess Mariko Passion

Are you ready to take Las Vegas by storm with edgy public performance art that they can’t get with a buffet or vacation package in the casinos?  Are you ready to tell American tourists on the Vegas strip that indeed, prostitution contrary to popular belief in Las Vegas and in most of the U.S is still illegal?  That is the theme of our groundbreaking public performance which will take place on Thursday, July 29 from 8-10pm.  Some of you that attended the first Desiree conference in 2006 remember how the whores did a spontaneous parade on the strip that year!   The arts and entertainment committee of Desiree Alliance 2010 is using KICKSTARTER to raise all of our funding for artists and entertainers included in the conference and all the week’s happenings which include scheduled performances during the conference, the public performance, the closing party and more!  WE HAVE ONLY 16 DAYS TO REACH OUR GOAL OF $2500 so that we can make this ambitious and cutting edge stuff a reality.  PLEASE VISIT our official link at kickstarter and help us reach our goal!  Copy the link and post it on your FACEBOOK!  We need all the help we can!  ART is the best way to communicate to the masses!

Mariko Passion photo by Jenny Price 2006

Are you interested in supporting sex worker rights? Go to
http://kck.st/96VUMQ. We are seeking supporters to pledge to donate as
little as $5 to support the 2010 Desiree Alliance conference
scholarship program and performance art event “If it happens in
Vegas… it’s still illegal.” The performance “IF IT HAPPENS IN VEGAS…
IT’S STILL ILLEGAL” will be our most visible event during the
conference and will reveal that not only is sex work unjustifiably
subject to law enforcement across the United States that the same
applies in the “wild” “party” town of Las Vegas.

Donors will not only get the pleasure of supporting sex workers in a
cool way but also get exclusive access to a bunch of
photos and video about the conference/performance and event via a
passcoded website. People donating $25 or more will be able to access
a special blog where we spill the beans about how we organize and
strategize. Other supporter premiums include the Soixante-Neuf package
(for donors of $69, we send you our underwear!) and the Art Lovers
Special ($100 or more, we send you movies made by sex worker advocates
and a CD from Mariko Passion).

We have to raise $2500 in total by Friday June 18. Donations are also
tax deductible.

Filed under: Art, Conferences | Tagged: , , , , | 1 Comment »

4th Desiree Alliance Conference Working Sex: Power, Practice, and Politics

Posted on May 22, 2010 by swoplv

July 25-30, 2010
Las Vegas, NV

Conference to Unify and Educate in the areas of: Academics & Policy; Activism;
Arts, Entertainment & Media; Business Development; and Harm Reduction &
Outreach!

REGISTER NOW!
Space is limited and WE WANT YOU!
No on-site registration will be permitted so ACT NOW!
Don’t forget to book your hotel…conference participants pay $25!!

Who is Desiree Alliance?
The Desiree Alliance is a diverse, volunteer-based, sex worker-led network of
organizations, communities and individuals across the US working in harm
reduction, direct services, political advocacy and health services for sex
workers.

How do I fit in?
Desiree Alliance is a forum for people who have experience of sex work (this
could mean working as an escort, sex worker, prostitute, street worker, massage
worker, exotic dancer, hustler, living with the support of a sugar-daddy or a
sugar-mama, having sex for housing / food / clothing, drugs, or having sex to
get the money needed to survive) and allies of sex workers. Desiree Alliance is
committed to support for representation and inclusiveness of people from varied
backgrounds including different cultural, racial, economic, age, size/figure,
sexual orientation and gender identities.

How do I sign up?
You are required to send an introductory email to
desiree2010@desireealliance.org with “Introduction for Registration” as the
subject. Please include the following:
• Name, email address and contact phone number (including best time to call);

o You may use any name or pronoun that you identify with when applying for
the conference and while attending.
• How you found out about the conference;
• Why you would like to come;
• If you are a student (you will be required to provide 2009-2010 student ID)

What are the conference fees?
NOW – July 15, 2010
Registration Fee: $250
Student Fee**: $200
Group Fee*: -$10

*Group fee: When 10 or more registrations are made and paid for from the same
source
**Student fee: Must provide proof of enrollment for school (student ID)

Registration fees for the conference include: Attendance at any or all of the
workshops, presentations and sessions; name badge and registration packet;
Welcome Reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (July 25, 6pm); Continental
breakfast (July 26-29); Lunch (July 27 & 29); Farewell Brunch with keynote
speaker (July 30); and a significant discount on lodging (please note that this
location will not be disclosed until registration is complete);

Registration fees do NOT include (though we wish it could): Transportation;
lodging; lunch on July 26 and 28, dinner; Fundraiser After Party (you will have
the option of purchasing a ticket during registration); dinners, souvenirs,
extra-curricular activities or personal expenses

Who can I contact for…?
Program Advertising / Tabling / Vending (click link for details):
http://www.desireealliance.org/conference/tabling.htm#Program_Advertising

Media: Please direct all inquiries to serpentlibertine@gmail.com

General Inquiries: info@desireealliance.org or 866-525-7967 (Toll Free)

Filed under: Activism, Amanda Brooks, Announcements, Art, Conferences, Events, Harm Reduction, Labor, Sex Worker Rights, The Biz | Leave a comment »

On June 6th in NYC, Sex Workers Take the Stage for the Sex Worker Cabaret

Posted on May 2, 2010 by sarah jenny

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Doors: 7pm
Performances: 7:30pm to 10pm
Tickets at the door: $10 – $20 sliding scale (Ages: 21+)
Slipper Room, 167 Orchard Street, New York, N
New York, NY – Sex workers take the stage to tell their diverse stories through burlesque, comedy, narrative, contortion, aerial performance, and more. Producers Sarah Jenny and Rachel Grinstein are proud to present an evening cabaret showcasing some of the most vibrant creative talent in the sex worker community. The cabaret is in homage to Annie Oakley’s Sex Workers Art Show (1997-2009) and will take place during LGBTQ Pride month, a time to reflect on the importance of community. Come bare witness as sex workers eloquently, and at times raunchily, speak their truths.

The Sex Worker Cabaret will take place on Sunday, June 6, 2010 at 7pm at the Slipper Room located at 167

Orchard Street, New York, NY. The event will be MCed by Go Magazine‘s 2010 Readers Choice Award “Best MC” winner Sarah Jenny and DJed by DJ Sirlinda (Hey Queen!, Rumours, Gayface)

. Go-go dancers Calvin Clamdigger, Essence Revealed, and Violet Noxx will grace the stage during intermission.

Matthew Lawrence

Matthew Lawrence

Performers:
ANNABELLE XAAH
Annabelle Xaah is a Renaissance whore, who likes swinging from ropes, naked, singing and playing the mandolin. Her performance entails rope-swinging burlesque with original badass beats.

DAVID HENRY STERRY
David Henry Ste rry was a boy ho, has written 12 books, and performed with everyone from Michael Caine to Will Smith to Zippy the Chimp. He will perform his minute piece from the New York Times lauded anthology,  Hos, Hookers, Call Girls and Rent Boys: “Can You Imagine, 82-Year-Old Pussy Tastes Great!”

ESSENCE REVEALED
Essence is a dual degreed, former lap dance engineer of the upscale gentlemen’s club scene, from NY to Vegas and sweet, sticky places in between. Essence innovates a dance form she calls “stripperlesque” in an excerpt from the finale of her solo show, Essence Revealed.”

GERRY VISCO
Gerry Visco is an illegally blonde writer, performer, photographer, and fashionista, who regularly covers events and the arts for New York Press.

INBRED HYBRID COLLECTIVE WITH LOGAN STEVENS
Inbred Hybrid Collective’s mandate is to stimulate a consciousness of the external factors affecting our human existence. Inbred Hybrid Collective will perform a musical conversation between hustlers in Times Square.

JODI SH. DOFF
How did a nice Jewish girl wind up spending a decade naked in Times Square? Writer Jodi Sh. Doff presents a peek from her one woman show.

LORELEI LEE
Lorelei Lee is a student, writer, and porn performer based in Brooklyn. She will read a work of autobiographical fiction.

LYDIA LOVE
Lydia Love mixes movement and spoken-word into performances of sincerity and sensuality. With candidness and complexity, Lydia will perform dance and spoken-word.

MATTHEW LAWRENCE
Matthew Lawrence is a writer and curator from Providence, Rhode Island. He will tell tales of why he wasn’t a very good escort.

NICOLETTE DIXON
Nicolette is a theatrical know-it-all, muse, and barstool philosopher with a feminist bent. She will perform a series of monologues and a burlesque routine about lap dancing.

Filed under: Announcements, Art, Events, Male Sex Workers, Sex Worker Rights | Leave a comment »

NYC Call For Performers: Sex Worker Cabaret on June 6th!

Posted on April 6, 2010 by sarah jenny

Celebrate Sex Worker Pride this June at the Sex Worker Cabaret on June 6th at the Slipper Room!

We are looking for cabaret acts for an early evening (7pm-10pm) of burlesque, performance art, readings, comedy, and musical acts.

Diversity encouraged! All genders, bodies, ages, and talents welcome to apply. Please submit a short proposal about the type of act or number you’d be interested in doing. If we don’t know one another, please send a link to your website, facebook, etc or a photo.

We are currently looking for proposals that would be, on some level, about sex work: whether it be a story about your favorite client, a burlesque number to She Works Hard For the Money, or a more abstract interpretation. Preference is given to current/former sex workers (self-defined) but we are also considering submissions from allies, partners of workers, etc.

Compensation: This is a benefit for…you! Some overhead costs need to be covered but after that, all money received from the door will be pooled and split among the performers based on the number of acts they do. (Each act is a share in the pool with a max of 2 acts per performer.) We ask that you help promote as the more people we bring in, the more money for the performers.

We are also looking for gogo dancers who would be compensated in tips. You can perform and gogo.

Please forward to anyone you think might like to be a part of this very special evening.

Deadline: Please submit your proposal by April 7th.

Questions? Contact: Sarah Jenny – sarahjenny@gmail.com

Promoters: Sarah Jenny & Rachel G.

Filed under: Art | Leave a comment »

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