Dear Allies, friends, SWOP-ees around the world,

We are so proud to announce that we SUCCEEDED in our efforts to secure the endorsement of the Democratic Party! Due to our hard work and lobbying (which was truly a culmination of many years of sex workers working directly with city politicians and politicos) the Democratic party endorsed us! Am I dreaming?

We were very fortunate to have remarkable allies such as Greg Shaw, former president of the Harvey Milk Club, who initiated, explained and helped coordinate the strategy, as well as Slava Osowska, a queer activist and member of Industrial Workers of The World, who did much of the physical work of actually getting the 12,745 signatures needed. Slava has helped write the materials and works tirelessly.

About 40 (or maybe more?) sex workers and supporters showed up and most testified, the majority identifying as sex workers. Long time allies from the HIV prevention/harm reduction movements and from the medical marijuana movement were instrumental in their support.

Sadie Lune wrote a great report about the fabulous sex workers who came out on Bound Not Gagged

Please make a detour and read it!

Visit http://www.prostitutionballotmeasure.com for updates and background material.

We will have ongoing meetings and campaigns. Robyn is working on some cool ideas for street fun and signs everywhere! We have our "Prostititues are oKay. Vote yes on Measure K" campaign.

Please email me or Robyn if you would like to be placed on a special list for announcments to join in this exciting, historic campaign. You can even contribute money which we definitely need for signs, door hangers and more.

Robyn Few
swopusa [at] yahoo [dot] com

Carol Leigh
carol [at] bayswan [dot] org
415-751-1659