Selfcare & Sexual Wellness

Is pride really so important for the adult industry?

“Unfortunately, sex workers of all denominations have to deal with big business and big business is out to make big money. Every niche and every fetish has at some point been top of the pile as far as earnings are concerned. To this end, business, adult and sex workers alike, have sought to take advantage each and every single time.”

If you are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Queer you have most likely heard of Pride. In fact, Pride has been running for over 50 years now, which is somewhat longer than the LGBTQ banner has existed!

The Birth of Pride
Each year, in June, there are celebrations held world-wide, to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. Spontaneous demonstrations were held by members of the gay community in response to a police raid that began in the early hours of June 28th 1969, at a place called the Stonewall Inn, situated in Greenwich Village.
This uprising was most likely the tipping point for many Gay communities in the US and sparked the actions of the Gay Liberation Movement. Their protests covered many important social areas, such as discrimination towards housing and employment, government hostility and the centuries of abuse suffered by anyone non heterosexual.

The Importance of Pride
Over the years, it has grown into a worldwide symbol of what it really means to be gay. The celebrations attract millions to the parades, concerts, parties, work-shops and memorials, all around the world.
Memorials are held to commemorate those who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The main purpose behind many of them, being to recognize the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals that have had an impact on history. Not just locally but nationally and internationally. It truly is one of the largest celebrations with support on a world-wide basis.
In 2019, New York (and the rest of the world), hosted the largest international Pride celebration in history. The Stonewall 50 – WorldPride NYC 2019, which was produced by Heritage of Pride, commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, with over five million attending in Manhattan alone.

Pride in the Adult Industry
Ever since white performer Hugh Hunter denounced his nomination in the ‘Best Ethnic Scene’ category, at the GayVN awards 2017, racism has been at the forefront. That’s not to say its existence prior to then was less important. In fact, some would say that it’s existed for decades.
There were complaints that the sex industry marketed racial fetishes and produced stereotype pornography.
Some even called it overt racism.
Let’s look at that a little more closely. What happens when almost every single thing in our lives is labelled? It means that every like or dislike becomes fodder for other people to complain about. Why should someone that is attracted to dark skin be dragged into a debate on racism. Sometimes, things are just as they are and it’s only others that seem to have a problem with it.
The majority of the Gay and Lesbian populous are more than happy in their own skin. They find themselves arguing for their cause with a lot of small-minded people. Perhaps I should call it the LGBTQ community, so as not to offend anyone who doesn’t belong to the Gay or Lesbian category.
Unfortunately, sex workers of all denominations have to deal with big business, and big business is out to make big money. Every niche and every fetish have at some point been top of the pile as far as earnings are concerned. To this end, business, adult and sex workers alike, have sought to take advantage each and every single time.

The pride in Pride
All being said, it is the responsibility of each, and every one of us to rid the industry and society of such prejudice. Everyone should be able to live their lives to the full and be whomever they want to be, providing it falls within the laws we create as a society. However, where those laws fall foul of basic human rights, we still need to question them.
I, for one, long for a world where we do not have a need for ‘labels’ as a means of describing some sort of fight against a portion of society. A world where I am simply who I am, and you are who you are. A world full of individuals able to live their lives as they please, lawfully and happily. So, can Pride really make that happen?
There have certainly been some big changes during the past 50 years and perhaps significantly during the past couple of decades. People are more open about themselves and the causes they support.

Stopping Negativity
Social media has a huge impact on getting the message across. The more support we give to positive causes, the better everyone’s lives will be. The less attention we give to the haters, the quicker they will disintegrate into nothingness.
The thing we must all remember about haters is that they are fuelled by responses to their negativity. So instead of providing the fuel for them, channel your angst into positive causes.

Support is Key
Providing support on-line or in person is crucial, and has been even more important during the pandemic. Just being able to talk to someone can make a world of difference to those that are suffering.
Organizations such as Pineapple Support are there to pro
vide help for anyone that works in the Adult, On-Line sector. Whatever kind of support you may need, they have people available to listen, to help and to provide advice, whenever needed.
We’d love to hear about other organizations or help available to adult workers and especially those individuals who provide incredible aid, assistance and sponsorship for this sector. Drop us a line and let us know who we should be featuring, and we’ll do our best to make it happen. Read more articles here

Selfcare & Sexual Wellness

Legal to Sell, Illegal to Buy: The Paradox of France’s Prostitution Law

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) on Thursday ruled that France’s criminalization of the sale and purchase of sexual acts/prostitution does not constitute a violation of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Case Overview

The case, M.A. and Others v France was ruled unanimously. 261 applicants complained against Law no. 2016-444 of 13 April 2016, which aimed at criminalizing prostitution in France. This law intended to “strengthen the fight against the prostitution system and provide support to prostituted individuals.” Applicants relied on Articles 2, 3, and 8 of the ECHR for their case. These individuals argued that criminalizing the purchase of sexual acts affects the physical and mental integrity of individuals who commonly participate in prostitution and violates their right to private life, personal autonomy, and sexual freedom.

Legal Reasoning

The Court judged the applicants’ complaint principally based on Article 8 ECHR, which refers to the right to respect for everyone’s private and family life. According to the official document, interference with this right is unacceptable except when done “in accordance with the law and as is necessary for a democratic society in the interests of national security, public safety or the economic well-being.” The French Government submitted that the aim of Law no. 2016-444 was “combatting prostitution rings and human-trafficking networks,” which the Court considered a legitimate aim within the meaning of Article 8 ECHR.

Ethical Considerations and International Consensus

During the judgment, the ECtHR also referred to the moral and ethical “sensitivity” of the problems linked with prostitution. It specified the lack of consensus among the European and international community on how to address prostitution correctly. Reem Alsalem, UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, in 2023, commented on French Law no. 2016-444. The Special Rapporteur argued in favor of the comprehensive approach taken by the law, stating:

“Far from ensuring access to the rights guaranteed by articles 2, 3, and 8 of the ECHR, the potential repeal of the criminalization of the purchase of sexual acts would further expose the most discriminated women and girls, who are the overwhelming majority in the sex trade, to the control, violence, and inhumane and degrading treatment of trafficking networks and sex buyers.”

Legal to Sell, Illegal to Buy

French law presents an unusual dynamic where it is legal to sell sex but illegal to buy it. This approach aims to reduce demand for prostitution while protecting those who may be forced into selling sex due to economic hardship or coercion. The logic is that by targeting buyers, the law reduces the market for prostitution, thereby decreasing the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

Ongoing Debate

Despite this ruling, the criminalization of prostitution remains a heated debate with conflicting opinions. The ECtHR held that France had not overstepped its discretion and did not violate Article 8 of the Convention. However, it emphasized the duty of the French Government to constantly review its legislation and amend the law as European and international standards evolve on the matter.

Conclusion

The ruling underscores the complexity of addressing prostitution through legal means. While France’s approach aims to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals, it also faces criticism and demands for ongoing scrutiny and adjustment. The dichotomy of legalizing the sale but criminalizing the purchase of sex continues to be a contentious and ethically sensitive issue, reflecting broader global debates on the most effective and humane ways to handle prostitution.

Source: jurist.org

Selfcare & Sexual Wellness

Le Shaw teams up with Woodhull Freedom Foundation to champion sexual rights and freedom

Le Shaw, the International Sexual Health and Wellness Research Institute, is thrilled to announce its new collaboration with the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, an organization dedicated to advocating for sexual freedom as a fundamental human right. Named after suffragist Victoria Woodhull, the foundation focuses on challenging sexual repression and advocating for the rights and freedoms of all individuals.

Through this partnership, le Shaw will support Woodhull’s mission with its research capabilities and commitment to sex-positive principles. Their joint efforts will advance the dialogue around sexual rights, promote a culture of sexual liberation and human dignity, and help build a more equitable and informed society.

Bobbi Bidochka, Director of le Shaw, was excited to start working together: “The Woodhull Freedom Foundation’s commitment to sexual freedom resonates deeply with our mission at le Shaw. Together, we will work to dismantle the barriers of sexual repression and promote a more inclusive and respectful understanding of sexual rights as fundamental human rights.”

For more information about le Shaw and its partnership with the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, please contact [email protected].

Latest News

Etsy Bans Adult Toys and Accessories

Etsy, the popular e-commerce platform, will no longer allow the sale of adult toys and sexual accessories. The company announced this policy change in a recent memo, sparking frustration and anger among its loyal vendors. Starting July 29, Etsy will remove listings for sex toys such as dildos, vibrators, and similar products, as well as items depicting sexual acts, genitalia, or sexually charged slogans related to familial relationships like “daddy” or “mommy.”

Alice Wu, head of Etsy’s trust and safety team, stated the policy was updated to “keep our users safe.” However, vendors have criticized the decision as “lazy” and a “crushing disappointment.”

“The ban will essentially close the doors of many handmade makers in the adult toy realm like ourselves,” said Preston Stevenson, an Etsy vendor, in an interview with The Guardian. For small shops like his, which have invested significant time on Etsy, the 30 days’ notice is insufficient to transition to a new platform with similar traffic and exposure.

Stevenson and his partner Laura Norden, who have been selling handmade sex toys since 2018, expressed concern that their site traffic will not recover if they move to another platform. “Bans like this one further the idea that sexual health and pleasure are taboo or something to be ashamed of,” he added. “It has broader impacts on society as a whole.”

Alexandra Houston, founder of the UK-based fetish apparel platform Charmskool, criticized Etsy for catering to the mass market instead of remaining loyal to its users. “Etsy wants anything creative as long as it is beige and middle of the road. It doesn’t want anything risqué anymore,” Houston told The Guardian, noting an increase in former Etsy vendors migrating to Charmskool.

Simply Elegant Glass, another affected vendor, penned an open letter to Etsy on Twitter, condemning the company for its “lazy solution” under the guise of community safety. “Protecting children from adult content is a noble interest, and we agree it should be pursued. But that’s not what you’re doing here, is it?” the vendor wrote, arguing that a blanket ban is an easy fix for non-compliance issues Etsy created. “It’s a solution that targets buyer retention and appeases investors and advertisers.”

The transition to other platforms is complicated by many payment processors’ refusal to work with vendors advertising adult toys. Anna, founder of Simply Elegant Glass, told the BBC she feels “betrayed” by Etsy’s new policies. “As creators who have helped make Etsy what it is and remained loyal for years, we feel betrayed,” she said, advocating for explicit labeling of sexual products rather than an outright ban.

According to Anna, a large portion of their profits came from Etsy sales, and moving to a new e-commerce site would be like starting from scratch. Other vendors echoed her concerns, worried that new platforms may not generate enough income.

“It’s like having your house burnt down,” Houston said, reflecting on the difficulties of establishing a new business presence after relying on Etsy for years.

This decision by Etsy is not only a business challenge for vendors but also raises questions about societal views on sexual health and pleasure. Many see the ban as a step backward, reinforcing outdated taboos and stigmas.
This decision by Etsy is not only a business challenge for vendors but also raises questions about societal views on sexual health and pleasure. Many see the ban as a step backward, reinforcing outdated taboos and stigmas.

Source: BBC