Dear WISH supporter,

In this update we celebrate a win for sex workers’ rights in Scotland, take a closer look at the myths & realities of sex trafficking, share our gratitude for Lovers and Haters, explore ways you can participate in the 35th Annual Women’s Memorial March + more. 

Women's Memorial March - February 14

This Saturday, February 14, all are welcome to join when the 35th annual Women’s Memorial March takes to the streets starting at 12pm in front of the Carnegie Community Centre.

Speeches by community members start around 2pm, followed by a healing circle at Oppenheimer Park and community feast at the Japanese Hall.

This gathering is a powerful expression of resistance against the violence that continues to target women, girls, Two-Spirit, trans, and gender diverse people, disproportionately impacting Indigenous families.

Get involved by learning about the history of the march, joining the public Facebook group, or help out by signing up as a volunteer. 

No nordic model for Scotland!

We were thrilled to see WE WON! posted by @scotland4decrim.

Last year, an independent MP in Scotland introduced a Member’s Bill that would criminalize paying for sexual acts, but a grassroots campaign led by sex workers and allies has been fighting to protect sex workers’ safety, and their hard work paid off.

The BBC reported that Scotland’s Victims Minister, “raised doubts about how the new offence could be enforced, noting particular concerns over online activity. She also cited concerns that the bill could increase the risk of violence against sex workers because it could reduce their ability to assess the risk of buyers.”

Read what sex workers in Scotland said about introducing the "Nordic model”:

Lovers and Haters - tomorrow night

Thank you so much to Shadow Dancers YVR for supporting WISH with their first showcase, Lovers and Haters: a Showgirl Cabaret happening February 11 at The Rio.

Tickets are still available for this “playful, sultry Valentine’s Day fantasy where passion and chaos collide,” and if you go, be sure to check out the raffle!

Raffle prizes have been donated by local legends like Model Express, JQ Clothing, Gooey Studios, and Greasy Dart, and proceeds from the raffle will be donated to WISH.

We’re very grateful to all the Lovers and Haters coming together to make this such a fabulous event, and giving back to the community.

Moral panic and sex trafficking

Have you ever heard that within one 1 kilometre of where you are right now “someone is being trafficked”?

That was the slogan of an anti-trafficking campaign created by the Joy Smith Foundation. The shocking claim was widely reported by the media, but it’s not based on any research.

For a more accurate look at the data available on human trafficking in Canada, and the harm caused when anti-trafficking groups make sensational claims that amplify moral panic, check out this article from SWAN Vancouver:

Secret filming and harassment

Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses have a little light on them to indicate when they are recording, but a widely known hack has led to “glassholes” filming people without their permission and posting the content online.

The Toronto Star reports that “social media has been flooded with accounts of people who were recorded without their consent by smart glasses.” This is a horrible situation for anyone, and it is especially dangerous for massage parlour workers navigating the criminalization of sex work.

Here are some recent articles, and a podcast, exploring the impacts:

• CTV News: Filmed covertly, posted publicly: ‘Pickup’ trend grows in B.C.
• Mashable: Pranksters and pickup artists are using Meta Ray-Ban glasses to harass strangers for content
• 404 Media: Meta's Ray-Ban Glasses Users Film and Harass Massage Parlor Workers & A $60 Mod to Meta’s Ray-Bans Disables Its Privacy-Protecting Recording Light

Thank you for reading the latest update on issues affecting our community. Your care and concern are deeply appreciated.

Wishing you all the best, 

Lauren Burrows Backhouse (she/her) 

Communication Manager

T: 604-669-9474 (x. 125) 

WISH is located on the unceded, stolen lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam),

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations.