Sex workers hold local conference
by Yasmin Nair
2008-07-23
http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=18986Sex Workers Outreach Project ( SWOP ) , a national group that works on the decriminalization of prostitution, held its third annual conference in Chicago. Members attended panels on topics like sex trafficking and the issues facing transgender sex workers.
One of the local groups that participated was Young Women's Empowerment Project ( YWEP ) , which works with many, but not exclusively, queer youth in the sex trade. Cindy Ibarra, YWEP communications coordinator, spoke of their "interactive discussion" with adult sex workers about how best to be allies with youth.
Ibarra pointed out that the world of sex workers was often different from that of youth in the street economy; the former tend to come from "the middle class sector of people." Ibarra also said she was pleased with the turnout at the panel—approximately 50 people attended—and that attendees were receptive to YWEP.
