THIS IS REVOLUTION＞podcast Ep. 157: An Examination of Sex Work From the Left w/ Esperanza Fonseca

Sex work remains a controversial topic both on the left and in broader mainstream circles. In recent years, many on the left, particularly in feminist circles, have organized and campaigned for the legalization of sex work, under the slogan "sex work is work". While not suggesting that such work is empowering or positive, the movement has worked to decriminalize and destigmatize it. However, others have criticized this approach arguing that sex work is uniquely exploitative and inherently violent. What defines sex work? Is it inherently exploitative? And if so, what is the political posture the left should take towards those engaged in this form of labour?

About Esperanza Fonseca:

Esperanza Fonseca is a survivor of the commercial sex trade and a member of the anti-imperialist feminist organization AF3IRM. She is currently based in Oakland, CA, and has a seven-year background in organizing workers and tenants for economic justice. She got her start in organizing as a Fellow with the Ziegler Young Religious Leaders Organizing Fellowship, where she organized faith leaders to advance economic justice initiatives in the City of Los Angeles, resulting in strong contracts and improved working conditions for food-service, hotel, and grocery workers. Fonseca graduated from Whittier College with a degree in the Whittier Scholars Program: Feminist Studies and Liberation Theology. She maintains a blog and writes on ending gendered violence and sexual exploitation.

 

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