Pre Slut Walk Event

Pre Slut Walk Event
by Bryan Santos

Imagine yourself in a situation where the only means you have to support yourself can place you between a rock and a hard place. Sex workers consistently place their lives in danger of health, safety, and legal repercussions. Decrim305 teamed up with Pridelines to host the Pre Slut walk Launch party. Their mission is to decriminalize sex work in Miami-Dade County, to legislate protection rights for sex workers, and unionize. They also aim to decarcerate sex workers from the system and have their records expunged. Pridelines wanted to create a space for them to use as a platform to begin the work they had set out to do while providing them with the resources we have to promote safety and wellness among their peers. This event was created to support fundraising efforts to purchase safety kits for these individuals.

It was important to Pridelines that the event was organized for people of the target demographic by people within it. Mistress Bruja stated, “many of these individuals never speak up about their needs for fear of incarceration”. This definitely creates situations where sex workers are apprehensive to seek support in wellness and protection. The most frightening situation for sex workers is the potential for sexual assault physical abuse directed toward them. Imagine having to answer questions to the police about how a client was physically abusive toward you. You would be incriminating yourself and just as easily thrown into jail.  

The event was strategically organized to have support on-site to help connect those in need. Pridelines was happy to provide wellness testing and link them directly to AHF for PrEP who had a representative on site. Yaya por Vida also set up a table to provide Narcan kits for free! There were other nonprofits on-site as well providing details on dealing with domestic violence. The conversation was buzzing through the air after a speech from Bruja, Nina Cruz, and Myself on the importance of creating these platforms for underserved communities. After, everyone was invited to share food and drink. The night was filled with networking, dancing, and critical thinking on how we could all work together to support the cause.

The event was a success and is the first of more to come. Decrim305 is planning to have a poster crafting day at Pridelines and then host the actual Slut Walk on December 4th. Mistress bruja stated, “Pridelines has been pivotal in our journey to grow and establish ourselves.” In a recent Instagram post and we wanted to say “We are excited to collaborate and grateful for the opportunity to help support a community in need. Pridelines aims to create safe and affirming spaces where people from all walks of life feel comfortable creating positive change and wellness opportunities.