SLUT Walk Vancouver

Sunday May 15, 2011
Time: TBA
Place: TBA (downtown Vancouver)
Cost: Free
What To Wear: Slutty, Sexy, Kinky, Provocative, JUST BE YOU ....
Bring: Friends & Signage

Description

Slut Walk Vancouver Website

Follow us on Twitter @SlutWalkVan.

Email us at slutwalkvancouver@gmail.com

Event route and the exact time is not yet set. I will announce here those details as soon as I hear word.

This an everyone-welcome kind of event.

We, as Vancouverite's are uniting with SlutWalk Toronto to move against intolerance and towards education.

BECAUSE WE’VE HAD ENOUGH!

This is cross-posted from SlutWalk Toronto:

On January 24th, 2011, a representative of the Toronto Police gave shocking insight into the Force’s view of sexual assault by stating: “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized”.

As the city’s major protective service, the Toronto Police have perpetuated the myth and stereotype of ‘the slut’, and in doing so have failed us. With sexual assault already a significantly under-reported crime, survivors have now been given even less of a reason to go to the Police, for fear that they could be blamed. Being assaulted isn’t about what you wear; it’s not even about sex; but using a pejorative term to rationalize inexcusable behavior creates an environment in which it’s okay to blame the victim.

Historically, the term ‘slut’ has carried a predominantly negative connotation. Aimed at those who are sexually promiscuous, be it for work or pleasure, it has primarily been women who have suffered under the burden of this label. And whether dished out as a serious indictment of one’s character or merely as a flippant insult, the intent behind the word is always to wound, so we’re taking it back. “Slut” is being re-appropriated.

We are tired of being oppressed by slut-shaming; of being judged by our sexuality and feeling unsafe as a result. Being in charge of our sexual lives should not mean that we are opening ourselves to an expectation of violence, regardless if we participate in sex for pleasure or work. No one should equate enjoying sex with attracting sexual assault.

Jack Rinella

My good friend, author and fellow kinkster Jack Rinella has decided to start writing again. For those of you not familiar with Jack, he's an old gay leather man who is insightful as hell and whom I share a mutual um, attraction to.

Leather Views is his column and it is published weekly. He can be controversial, opinionated, dark, witty and honest all in one breath. Well, almost. For a long time Jack published regulary, then went on hiatius from his column for a period, so the return of his words, thrills many of us to no end.

Moving On Up

A large Canadian Corporation made contact with me a couple of weeks ago. We've peripherally worked alongside one another a number of times over the years, yet never had occasion to be directly doing serious business together.

Imagine my delight to receive a call from the head of the company asking me if I had time to speak. He spoke to me about my success in the adult industry and how I had grown so much over the last five to six years that he had been consciously following my activism. Though he'd actually known of me for over a decade.

I was caught off guard when he asked if they could fly me all expenses paid to their offices home Province for a day of negotiations. Amused, I dug around a little for more details. Like say, what would we be negotiating for?

It turns out they have two offerings for me, that are by far the biggest of my career thus far.

1. Hire me on contract for 2011 to do a job for them that fits in perfectly with my career goals. I would gain me the notoriety I need to continue to further my career, mixed with the financial outcome that would be life changing and also assist me in being nationally recognized for my unique skill sets. There would be awesome monthly travel and a chance to hob nob with really cool people whom I have great respect for.
2. They envision me creating a series of sex education DVD's that would be made available for sale to the general public, with my face and approach to teaching being marketed they would back this project financially 100%.

Plus there is one other thing on the table that I am not willing to put out there in the Universe quite yet. I will say though, that I am positively bouncing off the walls with glee.

I complained a while back about how much work sits before me regularly. I digress, all the work I do has laid a strong foundation for me to now be reaching this new stage of my professional path.

The old saying remains true "that which does not kill us, makes us stronger".

Leader, and Leadership

In a recent on line conversation thread, someone posed a question about the responsibilities of event organizers to their guests.

After receiving minimal input from the very groups of businesses he named (only one replied) many other people stepped in to offer insight. Each of these people not being a business, rather being individuals who put together offerings out of their personal homes. (they also pay no taxes, have no business licenses, pay no rent on a facility, so on and so on)

Then when the original author realized after a few days he was not going to get any input from most, he painted the businesses all with the same damming brush for not answering his public questions.

I found it somewhat ironic to be placed amongst the list of requested people to spring forth and answer him given his propensity to get caught up in community drama over the years.

I also found it amusing that those of us listed by him originally started as being called event organizers, and rather rapidly were referred to as "Leaders" in our community. Now which community he was referring to eludes me, alas I did not feel it important to ask for clarification.

Somehow in one short post I went from being an event organizer, to a Leader. That's a lofty title to be bestowing upon someone, especially a person who didn't even ask for it, nor wants it.

Being referred to as leader when not even asked and given the chance to decline is rather disturbing and also presumptuous about my motives behind what I do.

I don't own and operate Libido Events and Libido Lounge to be a leader. I don't teach to be called a leader, I don't do coaching work to be considered a leader. I am not involved in sex culture to be a leader.

I do all that I do as I recognize it's value to those who seek me out for what I have to offer them.

I am certainly aware that many people consider me a role-model, and I am flattered by this. Though I very clearly see the differences between being a leader and a role model.

My standards of behavior, regard, ethics and personal responsibility are higher than many others. Then again, I am a business owner charged with maintaining such standards in order to ensure the success of my career, others privacy and access to a safe place to explore their sexuality.

Calling me a leader is a title I will not permit someone to pin on me.

I am a business owner, with a long term plan for my pursuits and for those who frequent my non political corner of the world.

Am I required to step up each time someone wants to ask questions of me in a public forum who is not a part of my business? I think not.

Am I supposed to prescribe to someone else standards and beliefs because they put them out on the internet? I think not.

Call me an activist, educator, coach, healer, lover, listener, creator, business owner, professional speaker, event organizer: but keep the fucking title of leader to yourself, because I sure in the hell don't want it.

Help us & Get Something for Yourself

The Vancouver Pride Parade and festivities are fast approaching. Sunday August 2 to be precise.

The cost of entertaining the city for hours, and drawing tourism dollars into the city is not cheap for participants.

It is a rather pricey amount of money to invest for an entry into the parade.

Libido Lounge entered the parade last year and has done so again for this years big event too. Last year, we even landed the cover of X-Tra West newspaper as the feature photo! It was spectacular.

This year, our plans are to wow the crowds again, gaining even more exposure for our events, membership and core belief in sex positivity and inclusion.

We are looking to raise funds to cover the costs of what a day like this entails. We have corporate sponsorship, and now we are reaching out to you with some private offerings....

Here is how you can help:


1. Donate $200 for a sex class with Jennifer of any topic of your choosing from this list and you and up to 6 friends may take it together at The Lounge. Classes are 2-3 hours long. Not Valid on Fridays or Saturdays. Pop and water supplied. A guest list must be provided to us ahead of time and every person must have valid legal photo ID and be 19 +.

2. Donate $250 and get yourself and up to 12 of your closest friends, 3 hours of play time at The Lounge. Pop & water supplied. You may bring in your own snacks. Not valid Saturday evenings. Event must end no later than 1 AM. A guest list must be provided to us ahead of time and every person must have valid legal photo ID and be 19 +.

3. Donate $350 and get yourself and up to 12 of your closest friends, 4 hours of play time at The Lounge. Pop & water supplied. You may bring in your own snacks. Not valid Sat evenings. Event must end no later than 1 AM. A guest list must be provided to us ahead of time and every person must have valid legal photo ID and be 19 +.

4. Donate $500 and Jennifer along with at least five of her sexiest friends will put on a titillating all girl live sex show for you or you and your partner. The eye candy will be more than you could hope for and you'll be thinking about the experience for years to come. 2 hours long. There is no sex between you and us, only between us girls as we are all friends. Your spot is to sit back at The Lounge and take in the sights, no touching the girls permitted, touching yourself is encouraged. Pop & water supplied. Not valid Friday or Saturday evenings. You must have valid legal photo ID and be 19 +.

5. Donate $50 and have our undying gratitude for supporting us in our worthwhile efforts.



All offers are valid for 6 months post Pride, till February 2 2010.

To make your donation send me an email to jennifer@libidoevents.com ASAP. Time is of the essence.

Stonewall Riots

It will only be listed today, in such a high profile manner.

It's worth having a read, the story, facts and history are fascinating as hell.

Today, Wikipedias Feature article on their home/front page is about The Stonewall Riots. Do you know the background on our kinky past?

Excellent timing for this to happen as this is around the time that Pride events and parades start to happen around the world.

Go and check it out for yourself, but remember, it will only be on their home page today, then after that, you'll have to source it out from their archives as any other article.

Have a great Sunday!

AIDS, Condoms & The Pope

Every now again something happens in our Big Old World that scares me half to death. The Pope made some horribly negative and damaging comments last week in Africa about the AIDS crisis and condom use. Read on to discover how misinformed he is, and then join me in signing the on line petition, its your voice, let it be heard.

Last week, on his first visit to Africa, Pope Benedict said that "[AIDS] cannot be overcome through the distribution of condoms, which even aggravates the problems".

The Pope's statement is at odds with the research on AIDS prevention, and a setback to decades of hard work on AIDS education and awareness. With powerful moral influence over more than 1.1 billion Catholics in the world, and 22 million HIV positive Africans, these words could dramatically affect the AIDS pandemic and put millions of lives at risk. Worldwide concern is starting to show results and a willingness by the Vatican to revise the statement - sign our urgent petition asking the Pope to take care not to undermine proven AIDS prevention strategies:

READ AND SIGN THIS PETITION

This is not a religious dispute, but a grave public health concern. Personal beliefs of Catholics and all people should be respected, and the Pope's advocacy for a culture of fidelity and respect could be helpful in prevention if condoms were not discouraged. The Catholic Church engages in a vast amount of social service work, including the care of those living with AIDS. But the Pope's claim that condom distribution is not an effective AIDS prevention mechanism is not supported by research. It's untrue, and if it diminishes condom use, it will be deadly.

The fact is, HIV and AIDS are prevented by condom use. There is no easy solution to the spread of this tragic disease, but condoms and education are the best known prevention combination and have not been found to increase risky sexual behaviour. That is why even priests and nuns working in Africa have questioned the Pope's statements.

We may not be able to ask the Catholic Church to change its broader position, but we are asking the Pope to stop actively speaking out against prevention strategies that work. It's important that people of all beliefs, especially Catholics, call on the Pope to exercise care in his leadership on this issue. Sign below then spread the word to your friends and family - this petition could actually save lives:

READ AND SIGN THIS PETITION

Making time for sex

This week is really full for me on so many levels that I am going to have to remember to sleep lots, manage my time wisely and treat myself really well.

Tuesday is my presentation at Simon Fraser University, very exciting for me, and certainly something I have been looking forward to since they hired me about six weeks ago. I'll be spending the latter half of today reviewing my presentation and packing my bag of goodies with everything I will needing to pull it off successfully.

Wednesday I am at Kwantlen College all day, well five and a half hours to be more precise. It's going to be a long day, though I am confident that the time will fly by fast.

Wednesday evening is Deviant Dining, this is our twice a month pot luck dinner at The Lounge and an event that I look forward to a lot. It's a great chance to hang out with our membership, eat and just be social.

Friday is Dirty Girls, our women's only play party and a great evening all the way around, so much happens so fast each month and is so different each time that it is always titillating.

Saturday is Sultry, our couples event, it's at a bath house that we make a private rental of each month. Awesome antics, sexy people, great vibe, and even an early evening as it's from 7:30 - 11:30.

Then Sunday is the next Member Orientation class for new members to gain access to The Lounge, and following it that afternoon is a womens class on masturbation, and yeah, it is an interactive class too.

My week is full, very very full. Add into this whole list spending time with my family, answering email, doing research, banking, dealing in phone calls, personal down time, home responsibilities, travel time, eating, sex, sex, sex, sex, and you've created a week that is jam packed.

Professional Growth

In the last year, my target audience has shifted substantially. I spend more and more of time educating professionals, lobbyists, educators, legal systems, universities, colleges, health care providers, trade shows, and other entities for large contracts. Gone lately is the small class format, perhaps it is the economy. Or maybe, it was just time for me to branch off into another arena, so I could gather new experiences.

It's a change that pays me well, but that has left me feeling alienated from my beginning point. It keeps me humble doing the smaller gigs, but the larger ones afford me not only more money but also further expansive opportunities and serious professional growth. Not to mention the kick ass networking at this level of acclaim.

I feel a wee bit out of place, though must confess to enjoying the new climate and clientele. It's refreshing, rejuvenating and inspiring to work with people who have sought out to learn new ideas and are willing to invest what it takes.

Struggling, are you?

If you are a person who struggles from time to time, or even regularly, this *short* video is filled with hope.

It matters not what your issue or obstacle is, but in how you look at it, and how you face it.

Watch this awesome video clip.

hugs, Jennifer

Prop 8 & Equality

Grab yourself a box of kleenex and be prepared to share this link. It's powerful, moving and inspirational. As a woman who loves women, I couldn't agree more. I love you Allena!

One Thousand

Three and a half years ago I reluctantly started this blog. I gave it a name, "activist on a mission to initiate change" and made a commitment to write in it with some form of regularity.

I have shared myself under the terms that I originally set forth "A written account of my personal journey as an activist for sex positive culture both personally and professionally."

Today's post marks my 1000'th post, a thousand times I have typed out my truth, my realities, my growth and pursuits.

When life has had me high I have written happy, when I've been bursting with pride I have written proud, when struggling I wrote of my challenges.

When success caught me, I let you know. When I had things to offer you, I gave them.

I have blogged when sad, when tired, when hurt, frustrated, anxious and even when in love.

I have shared my vulnerabilities and my strengths, my joy and at times my sorrows.

I have given this blog photos of my body, and images from my life.

This is a well read blog with a wonderfully huge readership, many people I know make their way here daily to keep up with me, my world and my activism. Others use this as a place to find inspiration, because apparently I am a trail blazer. Strangers find their way to this place through Key Words, and Google.

No matter why you read here, know that you land on my stat counter and I follow where people come from. I have learned so much from you my readers along the way and even more about myself.

Quite some time ago, I removed the comments feature from my blog, making it so people who had something to say to me could do so by writing me at my professional address. The personal e-mails I receive are inspiring, filled with accolades and thanks.

I blog to set an example, to keep a record of the journey that is solely uniquely mine and I am so grateful to be able to be such a source of enlightenment, entertainment and inspiration for so many people.

This blog, is me being true to myself and not allowing others to rewrite history. This place serves as a reminder of where I have been, whose aided me, loved me and who or what has gotten in my way.

A Spoon Full of Medicine

A dose of honesty is necessary.

A dose of honesty can be very potent.

This dose of honesty will affect others.

A dose of honesty is coming fast.

A dose of honesty is also my social activism.

A spoon full of medicine is coming.

When it arrives, spread the word and show your support.

Growth

Twelve.

A whole dozen.

Another orientation this evening and in it, another twelve individuals became members of the Lounge.

A great group of women and men, couples and singles. Some I've known for years, a few come from classes I've taught and a couple were simply from the mailing list.

That people seek out Libido Lounge to further their sexual journeys, to gain solid sex education skills, as a resource for sex culture, a home for their fantasies to be played out and even others in the hopes of meeting some new friend, lover or play partner fills me with such pride.

One person this evening bought a Life Time Membership. We are doing everything right, and it shows in who surrounds us due to our business plan and my activism.

It's powerful the work we do, and valued too.

Diagnostic and Statistic Manual: UPDATED

FROM NCSF: AN IMPORTANT PETITION!
(National Coalition for Sexual Freedom)

The American Psychiatric Association has formed working committees to revise by 2011 its Diagnostic and Statistic Manual (DSM), the definitive resource on the Diagnostic Criteria for all mental disorders. Statements currently within the DSM Paraphilias criteria include things such as exhibitionism, voyeurism, SM, and others, that are contradicted by scientific evidence (for example, it says that there are 20 male masochists for every female masochist - and*no* female sadists, exhibitionists, etc.!). Therefore NCSF concluded that the interpretation of the Paraphilias criteria has been politically – not scientifically – based. This politically motivated interpretation subjects BDSM practitioners, fetishists and cross-dressers to bias, discrimination and social sanctions without any scientific basis. Thus, NCSF is calling on the American Psychiatric Association to remove or drastically restructure the Paraphilias section in the DSM.

A white paper on the DSM Revision is located here.

To help fight for this, there is a petition that has just been started. It says "We, the undersigned, support the American Psychiatric Association's (APA) own goal of making its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) a scientific document, based on empirical research and devoid of cultural bias. A diagnosis of a mental disorder can have a severe adverse impact on employment opportunities, child custody determinations, an individual's well-being, and other areas of functioning. Therefore we urge the APA to remove all diagnoses that are not based upon peer-reviewed, empirical research, demonstrating distress or dysfunction, from the DSM. The APA specifically should not promote current social norms or values as a basis for clinical judgments."

As you see, it isn't even specifically about being kinky - just about doing what is right. The PETITION. You can sign it and have your name kept anonymous except for verifying that there are no duplicates, and your contact information will not be released irregardless. After all, being kinky isn't crazy!

Peace, Love....and a Hippie?

Am I modern day hippie? I don't think so, its not my perception of myself. Yet earlier today in a long conversation while out walking, RC told me that that is exactly what I am. A hippie.

This definition I found on line
a usually young person who rejects the mores of established society (as by dressing unconventionally or favoring communal living) and advocates a nonviolent ethic; broadly : a long-haired unconventionally dressed young person

Is it my clothing I asked him? No not really.

Is it that I do professional sex work for a living? No not really.

Is it others misunderstanding who and what I am? No not really.

RC says what makes me a hippie is a great number of points

1. I am a nudist.
2. I have a self created career in the adult industry.
   
3. I dance and live to my own beat.
4. I have multiple partners.
5. I am actively shaping the future of sex positive culture.
6. I don't follow so well, I see and make my own path.
7. I have non traditional views of sex, pleasure and relationships.
8. I empower and inspire others by spreading my message.
9. I detest violence.

My detesting violence shouldn't make me a hippie, nor should my long hair. And I've not dropped off the grid, and stopped being a part of society as a whole. I pay taxes, and walk in the world just like everyone else, almost.

Alas after pondering RC's observations, I must digress, perhaps I am a hippie.

A hippie that HATES florals, and wouldn't wear such a print if my life depended on it.

A modern day hippie, just trying to change the world, one person at a time.

No free love here though, so not my thing. I don't sleep around, though I do have the great pleasure of being intimate with more people than I could ever name or remember.


Speaking of being a nudist, there is a fantastic commercial that you have got to see. Work Safe and it airs on cable during Prime Time. This certainly made me giggle!

A Salute to Reproductive Choice

Henry Morgentaler

Congratulations on receiving The Order of Canada for your service and vision. Canada's highest civilian honour. It recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation.

More on Order of Canada.



You are an incredible man, who deserves all the positive attention and acclaim that comes your way. Finally we are honoring you.

Morgentaler pioneered for a womans right to a safe and legal abortion. YES.

Morgentaler pioneered when he knew others couldn't do it for themselves. YES.

Morgentaler is a real life hero.

CBC news writes about Morgentalers being named to the Order of Canada

The Vancouver Sun on the bold and right appointment of Morgentaler for the Order of Canada, finally!

The Morgentaler Clinics are located throughout Canada.


Wikipedia lists Morgentaler extensively.

Taser Use in Vancouver

So this entire story can be found in THE GLOBE AND MAIL.

This is not a little hick town paper, this is our Country's National News Paper folks!

Read it from beginning to end. Here ya go people, read all about it.

The Legacy of Tasers: from killing a Polish immigrant at YVR airport to terrifying the general public that rides BC Transit. It could be the quiet kid sitting next to you on Sky Train next that gets jolted by that weapon, and rest assured if the person next to you dies, you will NEVER be the same.

Do something now.

The article will leave you as angry as it does me, read it. You don't even have to be Polish to be riled and repulsed by law enforcements latest shinanigans.

Can you believe that our Transit Police, here in BC are using Tasers often to enforce Fare Payment at Sky Train Stations?


If you ever see police use a Taser on ANYONE, video tape on your phone the whole incident from beginning to end. Don't tell anyone at the time, or the police will seize the evidence and the general public will NEVER see it until it's too late.

Capture it on camera, then get away fast and hand the footage over to a news agency fast AND to the B.C. Civil Liberties Association. No joke people.

Don't give it to the police as evidence, you won't get it back you dumby. Let the police get it from the news and everywhere else, but DO NOT KEEP QUIET ANY LONGER about this brutality going on here in BC towards our residence.

Can you imagine that our local Transit Police have randomly in 18 months used a Taser ten times on individuals all in cases that simply involved fare evading. Where is the threat of immediate harm? NONE. This is an outrage. Catch them using this form of excessive force then hand it over to as many media entities as possible, fast so we can correct this abuse of power as soon as possible and put Vancouverites to rest about whether or not they can lay their trust in there police force again.

This issue is large. The RCMP killed a man at the air port with a Taser and the public has let them get away with it. Its appalling. No accountability on their behalf. Now our own Transit Police it turns out are using the same weapon, and at times when there is no threat to them, no reason to do so.

Excessive Force is all it is. Brutality. Macho Superior Behavior.

Get the Tasers out of the hands of Transit Police & RCMP. Put a moratorium on their use until an independent study can objectively inform both the public and those who enforce the laws what the dangers are in Taser use and also assure us, as to the specific circumstances surrounding when a Taser could be used.

The issue of Taser use keeps getting larger, because agencies do not disclose when Tasers end up being used. Then the public finds out after the fact and is mortified by the frequency of use and absurdity of the reasons as to why. This high level of secrecy must end, the public is due honest disclosures, AS THEY HAPPEN. Not weeks or months down the road.

Pass the URL link to the Globe and Mail article on to everyone you work with.

Send it to everyone in your address book. Talk about it. Write about a lot. Make it a Google-able topic for anyone in the world to read about the victimization of our people here at home at the hands of those we pay to protect us. Put "Taser Use in Vancouver" in your subject lines. Tell every police officer you know or ever run into how you feel about Tasers and their irresponsible use.

Write the Globe and Mail.

Write the RCMP.

Write the B.C. Civil Liberties Association

Write the BC Human Right Commission.

Write the federal Liberal public safety critic Ujjal Dosanjh.

Write your local paper Editors.

Stop by your local police station and file a complaint. Vancouver Police department or any Municipal Police force, plus RCMP offices.

Don't be silent any longer. They, the ones abusing power, are counting on your ignorance of the facts due to their master plan of secrecy to allow them to continue this destructive path on your rights and life.

End Taser Use now.

And to further Outrage You, here is what the Transit Authority has to say on this topic...in todays Vancouver Sun.

Transit police back Taser use

Device will 'absolutely' continue to be used against non-compliant passengers

METRO VANCOUVER - Officers policing Metro Vancouver's transit services will continue Tasering "non-compliant" passengers, despite outrage over reports the weapon has been used against non-violent fare-evaders.

"Absolutely. Absolutely. Yup," Insp. Daniel Dureau of the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority Police said, during a brief telephone interview Thursday after he was asked if his officers would still use the Taser on non-violent passengers."

Makes me want to barf all over Insp. . Daniel Dureau. You too right?

Beyond Prohibition

Healing Our Addicted City
Location: The WISE Hall, 1882 Adanac St.
Thursday, April 10th, 2008 7-9 pm
Admission: by donation



Vancouver has long struggled to deal with its well-known drug problem,
particularly as it affects residents of the Downtown East Side. Past
approaches have focused the majority of our resources on law
enforcement, to little or no success. This “war on drugs” approach has
proven to be a failure as it has not achieved any of its objectives and
is responsible for the creation of additional social and health
problems. What is needed now is to move the discussion beyond concerns
with prohibition and develop a clear understanding of what a
post-prohibition world looks like.

The time has come to take action on establishing a compassionate,
rational and workable strategy for healing the lives of the severely
addicted and improving our city as a whole.

Join us for a discussion on how we can best move forward to stabilize
the lives of drug users and create evidence-based drug policy.

/Panelists:/

*Mark Haden *works for the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, and has
almost 25 years’ experience working with drug and alcohol programs. He
has published numerous works on the issue of drug policy and the
regulation of illegal drugs, and currently supervises the addiction
staff at the Pacific Spirit Community Health Centre.

*Ann Livingston* moved to the Downtown Eastside in 1993, and has
witnessed first-hand the damage perpetuated by the “war on drugs”. Since
then, she has committed herself to advocating on behalf of people who
use drugs, eventually founding VANDU in 1998. She is also a founding
member of Pivot Legal Society and is a member of Vancouver’s Beyond
Prohibition Coalition.

*Jerry Paradis* served as a Court of B.C. judge from 1975 until his
retirement in 2003. Over the years, he came to realize the futility and
harm caused the policy of prohibition. Since retirement, he has chosen
to join the group Law Enforcement Against Prohibition in order to speak
out about the failure of our existing drug policies.

Legalized Prostitution Vancouver

*Should Prostitution be Legalized Before the 2010 Olympics?*

Vancouver- The legalization of prostitution has been a long neglected
topic in the City of Vancouver. It’s time to revisit the question,
consider alternatives, and look at solutions once again. The coming 2010
Winter Olympics make the topic especially timely.

How will a mega-event that will bring thousands of tourists to Vancouver
affect the sex trade in the city? Will the recent implementation of a
sex worker's cooperative help or merely compound the problem and further
exploit already marginalized women? Is there a solution to Vancouver's
sex trade? What about the trafficking of women? Can a rationale policy
that recognizes the multiple dimensions of the sex trade be found?

Please attend a free public forum in order to foster greater public
awareness on this important topic.

Some of the speakers and organizations attending are:

Vancouver Rape Relief - Daisy Khler
- AWAN (Aboriginal Women's Action Network) - Carrie Humchitt
- XPALSS (Ex-Prostitutes Against Legislated Sexual Servitude) - speaker
to be confirmed
- Tamara O'Doherty (Researcher specialization in experiences of
victimization for off-street workers in the sex industry)
- Dave Dickson (Vancouver Police Depart, Sex Worker Liaison)
- BCCEW (British Columbia Coalition of Experiential Women) - Susan Davis
- Jamie Lee Hamilton - Transgender Sex Worker Activist
- Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres - Lee Lakeman
- Pivot Legal Society - Elin Sigurdson
- FIRST – Esther Shannon


The forum will present an opportunity for the public to hear and air
different perspectives on the sex trade. A question and answer session
with the panel will follow the presentations.
**Childcare is provided.**

Time and place:
Tuesday, March 11, 2008, 6:30pm – 9:00 pm at the YWCA, 733 Beatty
Street, Vancouver.
For more information contact Carly Teng at pforum08@gmail.com
Organized by the Work Less Party