The Curvilious Vegan

Today (Dec. 17) is International Day to End Violence against Sex Workers (IDEVASW).  Of course, this is an important issue every.  The purpose is to protest violence against sex workers and the hatred and oppressive laws that promote such violence, and for sex workers and allies to unite.  It is a mixture of education, advocacy, and support.   Violence isn't just part of the job description. I've organized IDEVASW events before.  They're typically open to the public, though there may be certain specific events just for sex workers.  Though they can vary from place to place and year to year, a common thread is reading the names of sex workers murdered over the past year.  IDEVASW is patterned after Transgender Day of Remembrance which takes place Nov. 20 each year.   IDEVASW events can also include speakers, marches or rallies, candlelight vigils, music, poetry, open mic, moments of silence, and more.  Here's a video with more information on this very important day:   ht

 Carol Leigh, the woman who coined the term sex work , recently passed away at 71-years-old.  I'm very grateful for having the opportunity to get to know this amazing woman who devoted decades to advocating for the human rights of sex workers.  I first met Carol in 2004 at a sex workers' rights event in Berkeley, California where she was dressed as her flamboyant persona, Scarlot Harlot and performed.   Later, I met her as Carol when we were in somebody's living room putting together advocacy signs. Carol was kind, compassionate, intelligent, socially conscious, creative, proactive, and a great leader.  Though she was very into political issues, she also had a strong personal side- caring very much about people and how people were treated.  When people were mistreated or feeling bad, she reached out in a way that respected boundaries.  In addition to being around Carol various times in person since we first met in 2004, we also spoke on the phone multiple times at her reque