Globally and within the US sex workers organize to address the impact of HIV/AIDS. Even though criminalization and stigma compound the impact of HIV on the sex sector, community based organizing, peer lead programs, harm reduction and grassroots research lead by sex workers are extremely effective. Sharing the achievements of sex worker communities and providing accurate information about what sex workers need in terms of services and policy are two very good reasons why representatives of sex worker rights organizations attend the International AIDS Conference. Sex workers also converge on the conference because it is one of the very few opportunities for folks to spend time with their colleagues from all over the world, to forge new connections, to learn and to inspire.
The next International AIDS Conference (AIDS2016) will be held in Durban, South Africa in July 2016. The Best Practices Policy Project regularly communicates with our networks to ensure that communities in the US have the most up-to-date information about activities at AIDS2016. In 2016 the Best Practices Policy Project has publicized opportunities to apply to attend and present at the conference and has made a firm commitment to be part of the Global Village with our colleagues and via our booth US Sex Workers United! The International AIDS Conference is a very large event and can be daunting. Sex workers have organized protests and actions about specific issues at the conference over the years and have demanded change from the conference itself. If issues emerge that you want to talk about at AIDS2016 or if something concerns you as a community organizer for the rights of sex workers and people in the sex trade then email BPPP (bestpracticespolicyproject @ gmail.com) at any time in the run up to the conference and we will do our best to connect you and to hear what you have to say.
Find out more about our actions at previous International AIDS Conferences in 2014 and 2012.
Taking action for sex worker rights, IAC 2012 in WDC.