UPDATE 12/13/22 - D17 moved to Zoom:
Beloved Community,
We strongly believe in the healing power of coming together. During these times of incredibly high transmission rates of multiple viruses and other infections, we believe that bringing folks together physically would not be in the best interest of our community.
Systemic health barriers and constant exposure to viruses and infection affect so many in our community, and two of the three organizers of this event are currently at home experiencing illness right this moment. To best meet the needs of our community and encourage community care for all of our comrades, our event will be hosted online via Zoom.
We will still be graced with the wonderful presence of our scheduled performances. You can look forward to a Narcan training by Kochina Rude, a speech from Daizy Blaze, a tribute to Carol Leigh by Celestina Pearl, a Ritual Performance by Lena Chen, and art by Rambling Hooker - all from the comfort and safety of your nearest device with an internet connection.
Our virtual meeting will be held Saturday, December 17, at 3 pm for about 1 hour of programming, then will have an informal socialization “Happy Hour” afterward for all who wish to attend and hang out and connect with fellow workers. Please RSVP and register for the event here. Please do not share the zoom invite info online.
On January 21, 2023, we aim to host an in-person which will incorporate our community altar/remembrance installation by Rambling Hooker, as well as positivity generation for the new year. Stay tuned for upcoming details.
In Solidarity,
BAWS
December 17th, International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, is fast approaching, and we are hard at work putting together an event that feels worthy of the weight of the moment we are in.
Saturday, December, 17th
Lake Merritt, Oakland (exact spot TBA)
Start at 2:30 and ends at Sundown (around 430/5)
*Allies welcome / Kids + family welcome / Wheelchair accessible
We are hoping to curate a space to hold each other in support and care while we grieve those who are no longer with us while also encouraging a celebration of our community’s vitality and resilience.
To help us celebrate, we are asking folks to dress “Fancy” and bring Bread and Roses(or any flower) to share.
Please join us for the following programming:
• Community Protection Spell by Hoodoo Practioner, Shanelle
• Carol Leigh Tribute, by Celestina Pearl
• Ritual for Asian SWs + Ancestors Performance by Lena Cheng
• Speaker, Daizy Blaze
• BGirl Performance
• Healing + HarmRdx offerings
• Community Altar + Art by Rambling Hooker
• Food + Beverage
• Connection with our Bay Area worker community
There are still a few items we need to make D17 happen. Please consider supporting your local SWs by making our event abundant AF! https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3TPB0CWKI045D?ref_=wl_share
We are also in search of local restaurants, cafes, or grocery stores that would consider donating some food or drinks for our celebration. Please email BAWSorg@gmail.com if you would like to sponsor this year’s D17.
Spread the word: Please check out and share our event posts on IG + Twitter
Please reach out if you have any additional ideas or needs - reach out and let us know what would feel good to you this D17. Let us know if you have any other connections or offerings to provide for our community.
In Solidarity,
BAWS