November 19-20, MANCHESTER, NH - The New England Sex Work Summit (NESWS) brings together sex workers and their allies for a weekend of networking, learning, and celebrating. This summit will feature three distinct events: Saturday daytime will focus on skills development for advancing policy reform as well as self care and wellness for sex workers. Saturday evening is a raucous fundraiser open to the public, featuring live burlesque and musical acts. On Sunday morning a private community brunch will be hosted in honor of the Transgender Day of Remembrance. To learn more about the NESWS contact: info@ishtarcollective.org

Stay tuned for updates on agendas for each event

ATTENDANCE

Sex Workers/Survivors: This entire summit is free for current and former sex workers and survivors of commercial sexual exploitation. There are travel and hotel scholarships available for sex workers/survivors. Please see the RSVP questionnaire link below to request scholarship assistance. 

Sex Work Allies: Allies are welcomed to attend all events on Saturday and Sunday, with the exception of the self-care track on Saturday from 10a-6p. The self-care track is for sex workers/survivors only.

To RSVP and inquire about scholarship assistance, please fill out this link: 

NESWS 2022 Questionnaire

DONATE

This event is being organized by Ishtar Collective, ELA-ONE, and individual sex work advocates in New England. Donations can be made through Ishtar Collective, which is a 501c3 non-profit project sponsored by Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE
Please put “New England Sex Work Summit” in the “notes” section of your donation. Example:

SUMMIT SCHEDULE

Saturday 11/19 day  - New England Sex Work Convening

10am - 6pm 

Who can attend? Free for sex workers and survivors; $50 for allies (policy advocacy classes only)
RSVP required for location information. 

Sunday 11/20 morning/afternoon - Trans Power Brunch

11am-3pm
Who can attend? Free for sex workers, survivors, and allies
Space is limited. RSVP is first-come first-served and to receive location information. 

EVENT DESCRIPTIONS

Saturday 11/19 day 10am-6pm - New England Sex Work Convening

This convening features two components: Self care classes for current/former sex workers and survivors only…and policy advocacy classes for sex workers, survivors, and allies. 

Please note that the flyer below is incorrect. Only the Advocacy track from 2-6:15 PM will be available over zoom (as well as in-person)

When: Nov 19, 2022 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

You must Register in advance for this zoom meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIlcuyprTwsG9BC17QE2thBsv-xoUYue6TL

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: 2-6:15pm on SAT. NOVEMBER 19TH, 2022

2:00-3:15 pm Eastern Standard Time: LOBBYING & STORYTELLING

3:30-4:45 pm Eastern Standard Time: SEX WORK POLICY & OVERLAPPING ISSUES

5:00-6:15 pm Eastern Standard Time: SEX WORK DISCRIMINATION

For the past 20 years, sex workers have been under increased pressure relating to criminalization, surveillance, discrimination and censorship. Together, we will spend the day sharing information and tips on safety, self care, and health as adult entertainers. We will also learn about concrete ways to fight back against oppression through interactive classes on engaging elected officials, identifying goals and changing laws, and messaging. 

In sex work, we face a unique set of challenges that our vanilla friends might not understand. When we face stress and hardship, it is important that we utilize self-soothing techniques that are accessible to us wherever, whenever, and however we may need it.

Saturday 11/19 evening - Hang

We will be having an informal gathering at Backyard Brewery & Kitchen from 8-10pm

1211 S. Mammoth Road Manchester, NH 03109

Sunday 11/20 day 11am-3pm - Trans Power Brunch

Current and former sex workers and allies are invited for a private, invitation-only brunch to commune, relax, and raise a toast to the power of our transgender friends and colleagues. We will honor Transgender Day of Remembrance with speeches from community leaders closest to the issues, with opportunities to learn about the intersection of transgender and sex worker rights movements.