Vital Signs: Sex workers’ rights

A recent report from researchers at McMaster University identifies major themes and how they play out in the lived experiences of sex workers across Canada – police interactions, social exclusion and healthcare access. As a marginalized group of workers and an equity-deserving community, it is crucial to ensure that their rights, dignity and safety are respected.

This includes dispelling stereotypes, stigma and misunderstandings around this topic, which is exactly what we try to do in this episode of Vital Signs. Guest host Michael Parente sat down with Jelena Vermilion (Executive Director, Sex Workers Action Program Hamilton) and Dr. Ameil Joseph (Associate Professor, Social Work, McMaster University) to talk about the findings in the report, the problematic legal framework that governs sex work, the stigma around sex work and more.

Key quotes:

“My life is called into question, the respectfulness of what I do is called into question, it effectively throws away the humanity of the work I engage in.” Jelena Vermilion on the criminalization of sex work

“The reliance on homogenizing trope of a sex worker does not allow for an appreciation of the ways that one can think of how one’s identity comes into play when criminalization occurs – the disproportionate ways that newcomers, immigrants and racialized people experience surveillance and criminalization.” Dr. Ameil Joseph on intersectionality in sex work

“[Decriminalization] would remove that conflict with the law [and] rebuild trust and cooperation.” Jelena Vermilion on decriminalization of sex work

“Removing the criminalizing aspect…takes away the discursive foundation that allows for these lies [about sex work] to be perpetuated and to be the excuses for judgements to happen in front line services and care or in police work.” Dr. Ameil Joseph on decriminalization of sex work

“Just because sex work isn’t something you would choose to do yourself, it doesn’t mean sex workers don’t deserve safety. Everyone deserves safety at work.” Jelena Vermilion