Advocate Relentlessly, No Matter What!
As the dust settles on yet another intense election season, we’re left with the burning question: What the f&$ do we do now?* Whether you’re reeling from a tough outcome or cautiously optimistic, the road ahead can feel both daunting and uncertain. At SWOP Behind Bars, we want to channel this energy into real, tangible action that aligns with our core mission: supporting sex workers and those impacted by the criminal justice system.
The road ahead seems impossible but together we can continue to build on our strengths - and our greatest strength will always be each other!
One must imagine Sisyphus happy
In the Greek myth of Sisyphus, the gods condemned him to an eternity of pushing a boulder up a hill, only to have it roll back down each time he neared the top. Sisyphus' punishment was a metaphor for the absurdity of life and the individual's struggle against it. Every day, Sisyphus would wake and push this boulder and after a hard day's work of pushing this boulder up the hill, invariably the boulder would roll back down the hill. It didn't matter if he did a great job today, he would still start at the bottom tomorrow.
The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man's heart. The Myth of Sisyphus, an essay by French author and philosopher Albert Camus and in the essay Camus reimagines the Greek mythological figure Sisyphus as an absurd hero who finds meaning in his life by continuing to push the boulder up the hill, even though it always rolls back down. Camus's interpretation of Sisyphus's story conveys the idea that people can find meaning in their lives by embracing the absurd and accepting that the universe has no inherent meaning.
We react to Sisyphus's fate with horror because we see its futility and hopelessness but the myth of Sisyphus has been used to represent a life of meaningless repetition, and to teach lessons about resilience and perseverance.
Elections might give us new leaders or reaffirm old ones, but they’re only a snapshot in a much larger journey. Real change – the kind that dismantles harmful systems, builds pathways to justice, and amplifies the voices of those long unheard – doesn’t happen in a single election cycle. It takes years of hard, sustained work from people like us who believe that no one deserves to be forgotten or criminalized for who they are or how they choose to survive.
The recent election results may shape policies impacting sex work, incarceration, and access to essential resources for marginalized communities. These policies could mean the difference between compassionate support and oppressive legislation, between access to health and housing and further barriers. Regardless of the specifics, now is not the time to stay silent. We need to step up, rally our communities, and keep the issues that matter to us – safety, autonomy, rights, and dignity – front and center.
Know the Policies and Their Impact
Change starts with knowledge. Many of the people who make decisions about laws affecting sex work, incarceration, and related areas have never spoken with people from our communities. They don’t understand the realities we face, and they often rely on outdated, biased information to make decisions. By staying informed about policies and how they impact sex workers and the incarcerated, we can advocate more effectively. This means not only reading up on current laws and proposed changes but also staying connected to community organizations that break down complex policy language into actionable information. Knowing which laws and policies affect our communities – and which policymakers influence those laws – allows us to target our advocacy effectively. Whether it’s issues around decriminalization, re-entry support, access to healthcare, or anti-discrimination protections, understanding the impact of each policy enables us to speak up with confidence and authority.
Engage Directly with Elected Officials
Engaging with lawmakers can be intimidating, especially when they’re not allies, but it’s also one of the most powerful ways to make our voices heard. Remember, these people work for us, and they are accountable to us, their constituents. That’s why it’s crucial to engage with them directly, regardless of their party or platform. Write letters, make phone calls, show up at town halls, and ask hard questions. Educate them about the issues we face and remind them that their decisions have a real impact on real lives. When they hear from enough of us, they can no longer ignore the fact that sex workers, incarcerated individuals, and those impacted by the justice system deserve respect, rights, and the opportunity to live with dignity. If there are new faces in office after the election, take the opportunity to introduce yourself and your community to them right away. Make your issues their issues. And if they’re old faces, remind them that we’re still here, watching and holding them accountable.
Build Coalitions and Mobilize Our Communities
When we advocate together, our voices are stronger. Building coalitions with like-minded organizations amplifies our message and increases our reach. Partner with local and national organizations fighting for similar causes, like harm reduction, healthcare access, and racial justice groups. Together, we can mobilize broader networks, share resources, and create a united front that’s harder to ignore.
If you aren’t already a member of an active sex worker or survivor organization or network - join one! Same goes for Sex Worker Unions like Adult Performers Artist Guild Union (APAG) or the Erotic Service Providers Union. They have low or free membership options and contain a ton of resources on a variety of issues regarding labor in the adult industry. You can join coalitions and alliances that are widely available on a variety of intersectional issues that you care about. Consider hosting informational sessions or workshops to help community members understand recent policy changes and how to get involved in advocacy. Share resources and toolkits that break down the steps of advocacy for those who are new to it, empowering everyone to contribute to the movement. When more people are equipped to take action, our power multiplies.
Make Your Voice Unavoidable
In today’s hyper-connected world, media platforms have the power to shape perceptions, shift beliefs, and redefine narratives. The conversations we spark online and in public forums are powerful catalysts for change, especially for marginalized communities whose voices have often been ignored or silenced. To advocate effectively for sex workers and incarcerated individuals, we must make our presence and perspectives unavoidable, permeating the spaces where opinions are shaped and decisions are influenced.
Tell Your Story and Connect with Empathy
Personal stories are some of the most powerful tools we have. Real-life experiences humanize the issues and make it harder for people to look away. When we share stories that reflect our realities – from struggles with systemic discrimination to triumphs of resilience and community – we invite people to step into our shoes and understand our lived experiences. This connection helps to break down stereotypes, biases, and misunderstandings about sex work and incarceration, replacing them with empathy and respect. It’s about making our humanity visible and undeniable. Whether it's through a heartfelt post on social media, a blog, a video, or a public speaking event, these stories shine a light on the issues that too often remain in the shadows. By creating a narrative that speaks to people’s hearts, we build a bridge of understanding, allowing others to see us not as statistics, but as individuals with unique voices, experiences, and perspectives.
Utilize Media Outlets and Social Platforms as a Megaphone
Public platforms are among the most effective ways to amplify our voices and reach people who may not be directly connected to our communities. Start small or go big, but get your message out there – consistently. Write opinion pieces or open letters and submit them to local and national news outlets. Reach out to journalists who have covered similar issues and build relationships with them. When there are policy changes or community events, ensure there’s a press release ready to get our message in front of reporters. Use social media as a tool for continuous engagement. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube allow us to share information widely and instantly. Create a mix of content that raises awareness, debunks myths, and highlights advocacy efforts. Educational infographics, personal videos, and live discussions can reach a diverse audience and foster a community of supporters who are ready to amplify our voices.
Change the Narrative by Shaping Public Discourse
One of the most powerful ways to create a shift is by framing the conversation ourselves. For too long, society has viewed sex work and incarceration through a lens of stigma, criminalization, and dehumanization. It’s time to take control of the narrative by presenting a new perspective – one that champions human rights, dignity, and understanding. We can highlight the importance of decriminalization, harm reduction, and reentry support, showing the public how these approaches benefit everyone by fostering safer communities and empowering individuals. Challenge stereotypes and confront bias directly. When someone spreads misinformation or a harmful stereotype, counter it with facts, compassion, and personal experience. Share resources that educate and shift the conversation away from sensationalized depictions of sex work and criminal justice. Highlight research, case studies, and firsthand accounts that demonstrate the importance of treating individuals with respect and compassion.
Normalize the Conversation and Destigmatize
The more people see our conversations and perspectives in their everyday media feeds, the more “normalized” our issues become. When topics like sex work and incarceration are discussed openly, they lose the taboo status that often prevents people from engaging. By maintaining a steady flow of conversations, resources, and stories, we create a ripple effect that pushes society toward broader acceptance and understanding. Destigmatizing these topics requires patience, persistence, and courage. Every time we talk about the need for decriminalization, humane treatment, and resources for reentry, we chip away at the stigma. Each post, article, video, or conversation adds to a cultural shift that is already in motion, creating an environment where people can consider our perspectives openly and without judgment. We’re not just advocating for policy changes; we’re reshaping social attitudes, one conversation at a time.
Together, We’re Unstoppable
Making our voices unavoidable isn’t just about raising awareness – it’s about sparking a movement that transforms how society views and treats marginalized communities. By using our stories, social platforms, public spaces, and collaborative networks to shape perceptions, we create a groundswell of support that policymakers and the public can’t ignore. Our voices, perspectives, and stories are valuable and necessary in this fight, and when we make them unavoidable, we bring our movement closer to a world that respects the rights and humanity of all people.
Every voice raised is a step toward dismantling harmful systems and building a world that recognizes the rights, humanity, and dignity of all. Through relentless advocacy, we’re not just fighting for policies – we’re fighting for our lives, our autonomy, and our future.
For SWOP Behind Bars, this is a core truth: we’re here for the long haul, and we’re here to fight along side you! The election might be over, but, like Sisyphus, our work has just begun. Let’s keep showing up, speaking out, and pushing forward. Together, we are unstoppable.
If you want to talk to someone - were here - we care! The hotline is open and here to help us all manage our anxiety, connect us to each other and strengthen our resolve to continue to push for policies and programs that can help us all make even one persons life just a little less miserable.
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