SEX WORKERS, ALLIES, FAMILY AND FRIENDS STAND TOGETHER!
On Saturday, June 11, sex workers together with their allies, families and friends are coming out for our annual Red Umbrella March for Sex Work Solidarity. This is our fourth year, marching in the street, brightly dressed with red umbrellas! Each year we highlight a facet of solidarity and encourage the public to come march with us. This year's focus is "Freedom to Associate is Our Right!"
The Freedom to Associate is a right granted to all citizens by our Charter of Rights & Freedoms. Canada's new anti-prostitution laws violate sex workers' freedom even to the point that standing in the street together is illegal if it encourages buying sex.
Marching together shows Canadians that when sex workers' freedom to associate is infringed upon, it is a concern for all Canadians. So, put on your best red outfit, get dolled up and let's show Canada that sex workers' rights are strong and proud and beautiful. March with us and show your support for Sex Work Solidarity!
Beginning at 2:30 p.m., the rally will feature speakers at the Vancouver Art Gallery (Robson Street plaza) and will be followed by a march starting at 3 p.m. Speakers will be available before the rally to answer questions from the media. The march will travel through Vancouver's Downtown Eastside to CRAB Park.
Participants are encouraged bring a red umbrella: the symbol of the global sex workers' rights movement. The Red Umbrella March is part of a national day of action, with similar events taking place in cities across Canada, including in Montreal, Saint John's, Toronto, and Vancouver.
The Red Umbrella March for Sex Work Solidarity is co-organized by the following groups: Triple-X Workers' Solidarity Association of B.C., Downtown Eastside Sex Workers United Against Violence (SWUAV), Pivot Legal Society, PACE Society, B.C. Coalition of Experiential Communities, FIRST: Feminists Advocating for the Decriminalization of Sex Work, SWAN Society Vancouver.
Visit triple-x.org or our Facebook event page for more details. See also "Why Buying Sex Should Not Be A Crime": http://triple-x.org/pdf/redumbrellaleaflet2016.pdf High quality photos for print: http://triple-x.org/redumbrella