Respect Ed Issue 3

INFORMATION FOR SEX WORKERS
February 2014
Issue 3
WORLD AIDS DAY 2013
The World Health Organisation declared the first World AIDS Day in
1988. The day, 1 December, quickly became established as one of the
world's most successful commemorative days and is now recognised
and celebrated every year around the world. Over 190 countries
around the globe participate in World AIDS Day each year.
The red ribbon has become the symbol for World AIDS Day. People wear the ribbon to
show their concern and support for people living with HIV and their commitment to
preventing HIV infection
(Taken from http://www.qldworldaidsday.org.au)
World Aids Day in Townsville
World Aids Day in Brisbane on page 2
Contents
World Aids Day
1
Gold Coast
2
Brisbane
2
Sexual Health Certs
3
Townsville
3
Cairns
3
Asian
4
Agony Aunt (NEW!)
5
Health Tips &Tricks
6
Sea Sponge History
7
Industry Tips & Tricks
9
Key Contacts
10
PAGE 2
RESPECT ED
S tat e o f R e s p e c t F RO M T H E S TA F F
What’s on at the Gold Coast
Hi Peers and Peeps,
I hope you have had a safe and happy Christmas and New
Year and that you are off to a flying start in 2014.
Our “The 12 Days of Sex-Mas” Gold Coast Christmas Party
was held on 17 December 2013 and there was a good turn
out for the event. It was a great opportunity to meet new
friends and connect (or reconnect) with others in the industry. A massive thankyou goes to our special guests, Robyn
and Diane from the Gold Coast Sexual Health Service, for
coming and celebrating with us and the staff and peers that
made the journey from Brisbane. We indulged in some delicious drinks and snacks and enjoyed celebrating the festive
season and networking with some like minded peers. For
those who were unable to attend the event, we are already
planning our next social event to be held in April. So keep
an eye out for more details!
The “New Worker Workshop’s” continue to be held at
2:00pm on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 4 Bay Street,
Southport or by appointment. RSVP’s or private bookings
can be made by texting 0401 969 223. The workshop provides an opportunity for you to sit down and discuss health,
safety, legal and business matters in a confidential environment free from judgement. Come to the workshop, pick up
some free safer sex supplies and information that could help
you start or structure your business and most importantly
stay safe and well.
We are also looking to expand the number and type of
workshops that are held on the Gold Coast this year to better meet the needs of our peers. The first of these new
workshops to be rolled out is an “Advertising Workshop” to
held on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 3:00pm. At
these workshops you can discuss industry trends, ensure
your ads comply with the laws regarding the advertisement
of sexual services and learn relevant skills. RSVP’s or private
bookings can be made by texting 0401 969 223. These are
great for new workers, any sex workers that are making the
transition into sole operation and sole operators looking to
stay ahead. If you are on the Coast and have any suggestions for workshops that may be of interest to you, please
call 0401 969 223 to discuss or email
[email protected] – I would love to hear from you!
Save the Date - Out Loud ‘an inclusive Pride event for
LGBTIQ, allies, friends & community’ is to be held on Saturday 10th of May 2014 at the Albert Waterways Community
Centre in Mermaid Waters. There will be some great markets, food stall, entertainment, and giveaways. Make sure
you put the date on your calendar and stay tuned for more
details.
It is shaping up to be an exciting year on the Gold Coast. I
wish you an enjoyable, rewarding and prosperous 2014.
Look forward to seeing you soon.
Jane (Gold Coast Peer Educator)
What is happening in Brisbane.
Toward the end of the year, Respect Inc was very
busy with events. The highlight events at Respect
were a BBQ lunch with Respect Inc and a Male
Sex Worker Dinner. It was such a great pleasure
to see new and old faces at the events. We had a
great chat, we covered a range of topics, include
sexual health check, STI, advertising, accommodation, emotional, drug and alcohol usage. It
was amazing. I would like to take an opportunity
to say thank you to everyone for making it happen. There will be more events like this. If anyone
would like to attend these events in the future,
please visit our website www.respectqld.org.au
and leave your email on our website, you will be
on our email list. We usually invite people
through our email list, so you will not miss out on
our next events.
Respect Inc also participated in World Aids Day
(WAD) event with QPP (Queensland Positive
People). We went to raise awareness and funds
at Brisbane airport. We were amazed how general public responded to the event very well. People are very friendly and aware of the WAD, they
were so happy to donate the gold coins. It was
another great event. Thank you QPP for letting
us participated in the event.
Joe (Brisbane Peer Educator)
ISSUE 3
PAGE 3
S tat e o f R e s p e c t F RO M T H E S TA F F
STIs testing and Sexual Health Certificate (SHC).
What’s Happening in Cairns
QLD Health is restructuring their system so there are
some misunderstandings of what Respect Inc can provide in its services. The reason we say this is because
we receive a lot of phone calls from sex workers who
want to make bookings for STI testings and Sexual
Health Certificates (SHC)s with us, especially sex workers from Brisbane. At Respect Inc, we don’t have the
resources and ability to do the testing in our offices, so
we can’t really take any bookings. However, we can
refer you to the professionals who can do the test for
you. We have a list of professional GPs who can provide STIs testing and SHC. Please don’t hesitate to call
us on our landline 0738351111. For SHC form, please
visit our website: http://www.respectqld.org.au/
information/sexual-health-certificates. If you decide to
go to your own GPs, please download and print this
form and take with you to your GPs, because there are
a number of GPs who are not aware of this form. If
you don’t have access to computer or the internet
please give us a call we will post it to you or you can
always come and pick it up from our offices (Brisbane,
Cairns, Gold Coast Townsville)
Hi everybody I'd like to introduce myself to you all,
my name is Mary-Helen Cheyne, I'm called Mo and
Cheyne is pronounced chain. I've been in Cairns for
2 years working with indigenous young people who
are in care. Before that I was in Darwin, working in
the community sector, focussing on women's' services and youth. I was involved with S.W.O.P in Darwin for several years both as a sex worker and an
escort agency manager, I then helped out at S.W.O.P
between workers over about 5 years. Michele has
done a fabulous job of letting me know how things
work and what's expected of me in this position and
I'm looking forward to my new position here at Respect.. Hope to get to know you all soon.
Joe (Brisbane Peer Educator)
Here in Cairns I’m busy getting to know peers and
networking with service providers. I’ve a few workshops organised and several presentations to prepare. It’s good to be busy right from the start. So I’m
getting into the work and will think of an idea for my
regular newsletter article, hopefully before the next
issue is out!
:-)
Mo (Cairns Peer Educator)
What’s Happening In Townsville.
Hi All,
I hope you all had a great Xmas and New Year.
Planning is underway for an outreach trip to Mackay in
May with Monica our Bi-lingual Peer Educator. This trip
will cover Mackay, Townsville and Cairns with Monica
visiting each region. If you have any queries about this
trip or would like to catch up with Monica or myself
contact 0416987011, or 0432367598
I would like to thank the volunteers who have helped
in 2013. With your support Respect Inc. has grown
into a force to be reckoned with. Thank you for taking
the time out of your busy schedules. I look forward to
more time spent with you all in 2014.
Thanks again,
Michele (Northern Regional Coordinator)
Blast from the Past
RESPECT ED
PAGE 4
F e at u r e s F RO M T H E S TA F F
Asian
Spring Festival is the most important festivals in China .It’s to
celebrate the lunar calendar ‘s new year .In the evening
before the Spring Festival, families get together and have a
big meal .In many places people like to set off firecrackers.
Dumplings are the most traditional food. Children like the
festival very much ,because they can have delicious food
and wear new clothes .They can also get some money from
their parents. This money is given to children for good luck .
People put New Year scrolls on the wall for good fortune .
春 节是中国最重要的节日，这是农历的新年庆
The Spring Festival lasts about 15 days long .People visit
relatives and friends with the words “Have all your wishes ”.
People enjoy the Spring Festival, during this time they can
have a good rest .
春节持续近15天。人们探亲访友改为“有你所有的
On January 31 2014, “Chinse New Year” we held a very
warm sex worker only lunch at the Respect Inc office, 4 Bay
St, Southport QLD. We all had a good time and enjoyed
New Year's taste. We come from different countries and
different places, in reunion together today, caring for each
other and helping each other, I hope in the future you, as
sex workers, come to join our family here to get care and
help. Welcome to you.
祝。晚上在春节前，家人聚在一起大吃一顿。在许
多地方人们喜欢燃放鞭炮。饺子是最传统的食物。
像儿童的节 日非常 多，因为他们可以有美味的食
物和穿新衣服，他们还可以得到一些钱从他们的父
母。这钱是给孩子的好运气。人们把墙壁上好运春
联。
愿望” 。人们享受春节，在这段时间他们可以好好
休息一下。
在1月31号，我们举行了一场非常温馨的午餐，地
址是4 Bay ST，southport QLD，我们大家都玩的
很开心，很享受过新年的味道。
大家来自不同的国家不同的地方，在今天团圆在一
起，互相关怀互相帮助，希望今后你的到来，所有
性工作者加入我们的大家庭，在这里得到关爱和帮
助。 欢迎您的到来
Monica (Bilingual Peer Educator)
From Hooker’s Herald, Issue 3, March 1990
From http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au
We would love to have
your input to this
newsletter. If you have
any suggestions, news,
stories or other
contributions, please
contact us at
[email protected]
with “newsletter” in the
subject line
PAGE 5
ISSUE 3
Agony Aunt
Hi. My family recently found out what I did for work. I've stopped now for their
sake as they don't understand plus I'm not well so need to stop working. Also I've
been in the industry for 4 years and would like to have a relationship and refuse
to have one while working.
Anyway, my question is how do I explain to my family why I chose to be a prostitute? I haven't talked to them since they found out a week ago and I think they are
thinking only about the stereotypical social unacceptable and of the years I've
been lying to them.
Cheers,
Racheal (ex-worker)
Hi Racheal,
I, like many other sex workers have struggled with this as you are. It is hard to know if it is safer to just play it safe
and not discuss it and let the little side comments go and not respond to any discrimination or insult just in case it
opens up the conversation further and we end up sharing more information than we wanted to.
Or if we should just own it, be proud of it as our past which has lead us to where we are now, someone our family loves. I think this will come back to the question of are you proud of what you did? It was a job and sex workers provide a reasonable service for a reasonable price in an honest and upfront way. We aren’t going into
someone’s home to make them do something they don’t want to do, we are providing a requested service the
same as a cleaner, counsellor or taxi driver. There are positive and negatives for discussing it further or not and
ultimately that decision is yours.
If you do decide to say something, be ready and prepared with statistics and common sense responses to discriminatory attitudes that we face every day, we have lots of money and the work is easy can be responded to with,
sex workers are providing a service and are small business operators, some days are busy with lots of good clients
and then other days we are begging for the phone to ring and everyone who comes in is just in a sucky
mood. Another one is, all hookers enjoy the sex with their clients, a response could be that sex workers enjoy the
money and the sex is about making the client happy and some workers enjoy it too but we aren’t there for
free. A very common one is sex workers are controlled by either their clients or a pimp, which can be responded
to with when I go to the hair dresser, I pay and can say what I want as the customer but I don’t have the scissors
in my hand plus there is a chance that my hair dresser works for a boss like most other workers, why would sex
work be different.
There are many others that research can help with like, all sex workers have STI’s which in reality most research
supports the fact that sex workers have a higher value on their sexual health because their income relies on it and
until recently there were no known cases of HIV transmission through commercial sex.
Sex work is work and when we decide to do a certain job it is usually because of a mix of things; what we are
good at, what we can do (qualifications, sellable product or service, willingness to do for a dollar), what opportunities are available to us and how much money we need and how quickly we need it. I know there are jobs that
each of us will decide we can and can’t do, someone deciding to provide sexual services is another choice that
you have made and at the time it was the right choice. Now your circumstances have changed, as you say your
health has stopped you working at the moment so it isn’t the right choice now.
I wish you all the best with your decision. I hope your health improves soon.
Whore love,
Respect Inc’s Agony Aunt
([email protected], Subject: “Agony Aunt”)
www.endinghiv.org.au
PAGE 6
RESPECT ED
Health Tips and Tricks
Working with your period… SPONGES
You can insert materials into your body to stop blood appearing on condoms and sheets including:
Manufactured sponges - You may have heard of Beppy Sponges. This is one brand of a type of sterile sponge
made in factories and individually wrapped for SINGLE USE.
There are different brands (Beppy, Sax, Hygenica, etc.) and they can come in different shapes and sizes and some
come already lubricated for easier insertion. Beppy sponges are a little bit bigger than a golf ball and are a soft
round sponge, so they adapt to the contours of your body when you’re having sex.
They have a high absorption rate and can be inserted for up to eight hours at a time. Depending on how heavily
you’re bleeding, you may not have to swap them between clients.
However, if you have extremely heavy periods, you may need to insert them at the last minute and change them
as soon as you can to ensure you don’t bleed through them.
Sponges are not effective for all sex workers, or at all times of your period. Some sex workers report that if they
bleed large clots, these don’t get absorbed into the sponge; rather, the clots sit on the outside surface of the
sponge.
Sea Sponges
They aren’t sterile and may have bits of grit, sand and seashells in them from the ocean. This debris can scratch
your vagina, leave bits inside and scratch or tear the condom if it comes in contact with the seashells or grit.
For these reasons, it is not recommended that you use them. Some of these sponges come packaged in plastic
wrap; however, they are not sterile. Lots of older sex workers have used sea sponges with no ill effect, but there
are better, safer alternatives available these days.
What to do if you have problems getting a sponge out
If you’re having problems reaching it or it’s slippery and you can’t get a firm hold of it, squat down because this
changes the angle in which your cervix is sitting and makes it easier to get a firm hold of the sponge.
Try to relax; sometimes sponges are hard to remove and if you are tense then you will tighten up and this will
make it harder.
Bear down with your muscles and this will help to push it out of your body. Sometimes the sponge will be pushed
up behind the cervix and squatting can help reach that area.
Have a bath to soak the sponge in water. This will make the sponge heavier and bigger, making it easier to get
hold of.
In the worst case scenario see your doctor. They will use a speculum to remove the sponge.
Michele (Northern Regional Coordinator)
ISSUE 3
PAGE 7
History of the Sea Sponge.
Although it is unknown exactly when natural sea sponges first became an article of use for humans, the use of
natural sea sponges for bathing, personal care and hygiene most probably originated with the ancient Greeks.
The Greeks recognized that natural sea sponges were the best natural products for personal hygiene and skin
care. The legendary Greek writers Plato and Homer themselves document the use of natural sea sponges as common items of use for bathing and personal hygiene in their writings. This would place the use of natural sea
sponges for bathing and personal care as far back as 850 B.C.
The history of sponge diving in Greece dates back to antiquity. Homer in the Iliad puts a sponge at the hands of
God Hephaestus to clean himself. Sea sponges were also used by athletes during Olympic games in ancient
Greece, to bath their selves or to apply olive oil and perfumes on their bodies. Sea sponges were used for bathing,
writing, painting, medicine and pharmaceuticals.
Back to 18th century, the Greek islanders of the Aegean Archipelagos used to travel away from their homes, with
danger of their life, in order to mainly gather sponges in the coasts of the Greek islands and North Africa. Sea
sponges from Greece were sold for more than one hunded years to Middle East, Europe and North America. As
the years passed and sea sponges were available from other countries , the quality of the East Mediterannean species of Honeycomb and fin silks is still well appreciated and sought after from countries around the world.
The ancient occupation of sponge diving changed little until approximately 1865 manufactured. Kalymnos soon
became known as “Sponge-divers’ island.” Sponge diving brought wealth to the island and made it famous
throughout the Mediterranean.
From the naked divers in the mid 19th century who would plummet great depths with only the assistance of
heavy rocks, through to the 20th century where divers would submerge in heavy suits and be fed air from compressors on the surface, men from Kalymnos have been trawling the seas namely around Greece, Libya and Tunisia in search of the sea sponge.
The journey would commence not long after Easter where the island inhabitant’s would converge to the main
square to farewell the fleet of approximately 500 men. The ships would be blessed by local priests and there
would be lengthy celebrations including food, wine and dance. The fleets would be away from their families for
up to six months at a time with many divers dragged drunk onto their vessels in order to set sail.
Sponge harvesting has shifted away from traditional Mediterranean sources such as Greece, Libya and Tunisia, although not completely, and has now moved to areas such
as Florida US, the Bahamas and Cuba where the people
living in these areas are now involved in the collection and
supply of sea sponges. Even in areas such as the Pacific basin there is small fishing communities who depend on
sponge harvesting as their primary source of income.
(from http://www.bathsupply.co/2013/03/24/the-historyof-natural-sea-sponges)
(Continued on p 8)
PAGE 8
RESPECT ED
(History of the Sea Sponge From p 7)
This is the sponge and case that were
available during World War II.
(From http://www.mum.org)
Michele (Northern Regional Coordinator)
Blast from the Past
BLAST FROM THE PAST: Good advice never dates as seen in
this instructional cartoon that featured in the first edition of
the Hooker’s published in June 1989.
All “Blast from the Past” entries courtesy of Jane (Gold Coast Peer Educator)
ISSUE 3
PAGE 9
Industry Tips and Tricks
Personal Safety Tips and Tricks for Sex Workers - Be Safe; Not Sorry! Part 2
Last issue we examined some tips and tricks to remaining safe during the negotiation process and when heading
out to a booking. This month we consider some personal safety tips and tricks whilst at a booking. Safety is an important consideration for us all and it is important that you are aware of the potential risks and take as many precautions as you can, to ensure you are safe. Not all of the tips provided may apply to your own situation, but
hopefully you can take something away to apply to your own business. Be Safe: Not Sorry! It never hurts to be prepared.
At the Booking

If the outcall is to the client’s home, remain vigilant. On entering, plan an exit strategy you can use if you need
to flee. Take note of doors, windows and the fencing around a property and whether these are locked.

If you can check the other rooms of the house or hotel room to see if rooms are clear, paying attention to any
large cupboards or places where other could be hiding. You could say, “this is a lovely house, would you mind
giving me a tour?” Or you could ask to go to the toilet and then have a quick look around. Be alert at all times.

Let the client know that you need to check in periodically (via text) to let your message taker know you are
safe.

Carry in your purse only what you need, and no personal ID or real information about yourself. No mail or
bills, no cheque books, credit cards, bank deposit slips.

Carry a personal alarm and don’t be afraid to use it.

Don’t accept a drink that has already been opened or that you have not seen being made. It’s not difficult for
your client to slip a drug into the drink they have fixed for you.

Monitor your drinking. A drink or two to relax is one thing, but too many drinks may put you in unnecessary
risk.

Be confident and assertive from the moment you arrive. It's important to be in control and stay in control of
the situation.

Be polite and friendly, it's often the best way to keep your cool even when the client is behaving like a jerk.

Be aware of every thing your client is doing.

If you have an in-call, do not let the client wander throughout your place. Restrict them to your work space
only. If you sense trouble coming, try to avoid it. Change the conversation, always be present and pleasant.

If the client starts talking down to you, or calling you bad names, turn things around, be assertive and take
back control. Bad clients may test you to see what they can get away with and push you to those limits.

Or if you can't alter the direction things are going. Take notice, take action and find a polite reason to leave.

If you want to leave and the client forces you to stay or won't let you leave, you can always notify your driver
(or pretend to notify your driver).

If this doesn’t help use your personal alarm, scream for help or throw something through a window. The noise
may attract attention.

If you can, get out! Your personal safety is worth more than any money or items you have to leave behind.
Jane (Gold Coast Peer Educator)
ISSUE 3
PAGE 10
Your Ad Here
We are now accepting outside
advertisers for our newsletter
and website.
If you would like to place an
ad in our quarterly newsletter
(up to 5cm x 5cm) or a link on
our website, please contact us
The red umbrella is an important symbol
for sex worker rights and is used for events
that are held on December 17. The red
umbrella symbol was first used by sex
workers in Venice, Italy in 2001. Slovenian
artist Tadej Pogacar collaborated with sex
workers to create the "Prostitute Pavillion"
and CODE: RED art installation for the 49th
Venice Biennale of Art. Sex workers also
Respect Inc at the Red Umbrella March for sex worker rights. Sydney, held a street demonstration, the Red Um27 November 2013
brellas March, to protest inhumane work
conditions and human rights abuses.
The International Committee on the Rights of Sex Workers in Europe (ICRSE) adopted the red umbrella as a symbol
of resistance to discrimination in 2005. A corresponding march was organised as the closing event to the European Conference on Sex Work, Human Rights, Labour and Migration conference, held in Brussels, Belgium, at which
almost 200 participants appeared. (from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_to_End_Violence_Against_Sex_Workers)
Key Contacts
Respect Inc
[email protected] www.respectqld.org.au
7/24 Florence St, Cairns, Qld 4870
Ph 07 4051 5009, Open Tues-Fri, 1pm-3pm.
Mo: mob 0413 571 394, [email protected]
118a Charters Towers Rd, Townsville, Qld 4812
Ph 07 4724 4853, Open Tues – Fri 1pm-3pm.
Michele: mob 0416 987 011, [email protected]
28 Mein St, Spring Hill, Brisbane, Qld 4000
Ph 07 3835 1111, Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Joe mob 0424 657 064, [email protected] (Male;
Can speak Vietnamese/Việt)
Annie mob 0451 149 782, [email protected]
(Transgender)
4 Bay St, Southport, Gold Coast, Qld 4215
Ph 07 5657 0857, Open Mon-Thurs 11.30am-4.30pm
Jane: mob 0401 969 223, [email protected]
Monica mob 0432 367 598 [email protected]
(Can speak Chinese/中国)
Like our Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/RespectInc/191603950869969
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/respectqld
Sexual Health Clinics
http://www.health.qld.gov.au/sexhealth/help/
http://www.health.qld.gov.au/sexhealth/panic.asp
Government
Prostitution Licensing Authority (PLA), 07 3858 9500,
http://www.pla.qld.gov.au/
Prostitution Enforcement Task Force, (PETF), 07 3426
1888, http://www.police.qld.gov.au/
Other Sex Worker Organisations
Scarlet Alliance, Australia & TAS 02 9690 0551
http://www.scarletalliance.org.au
S.W.O.P., NSW, 02 9206 2166, http://www.swop.org.au
RhED, VIC, 3 9534 8166, http://www.sexworker.org.au/
S.W.O.P., ACT, , http://www.aidsaction.org.au/swop
S.I.N., SA, 08 83517626, http://www.sin.org.au/
Magenta, WA, 08 9328 1387,
http://www.magenta.org.au
S.W.O.P., NT, 08 8944 7777,
http://www.ntahc.org.au/programs/sex-workeroutreach-program
NZPC, NZ, (+644) 382 8791, http://www.nzpc.org.nz