Learn about this day and it’s importance with the LGBTQ+ MCA

This day was created to call attention to hate crimes committed against sex workers all over the world. Inaugurated by Dr. Annie Sprinkle and started by the Sex Workers Outreach Project USA, the first annual day was in 2003 and was held as a memorial and vigil for the victims of the Green River Killer in Seattle, Washington. International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers has empowered workers from cities around the world to come together and organize against discrimination and remember victims of violence.

When he confessed to murdering at least 49 women, most of them sex workers, Gary Ridgeway, aka the “Green River Killer,” stated that he chose "prostitutes" as his victims “because they were easy to pick up without being noticed. I knew they would not be reported missing right away. I picked prostitutes because I thought I could kill as many of them as I wanted without getting caught." Since then, December 17th has become known as the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers and has been observed annually in scores of cities across the world.

During the week of December 17th sex worker groups around the world stage actions and vigils to raise awareness about violence against sex workers and address issues relating to stigma and discrimination that allows violence against sex workers to occur with impunity and creates barriers when attempting to report violence.

To hear from sex workers across the world, check out the link below