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SWOP-USA (Sex Workers Outreach Project-USA) presents School For Johns
A day-long series of panels and workshops-- attendees will explore rarely
discussed aspects of the sex industry including questions about safe professional
sex, articulating sexual preferences, explaining disabilities, negotiations
(time, money, activities), Johns' etiquette, gender preferences and transgender
workers, avoiding scams, assisting sex workers, activism and a review of
local laws and enforcement practices. The curriculum will be based on the
expertise of sex workers, clients, attorneys, health professionals and activists.
School for Johns is
an entertaining and educational seminar by sex workers, clients and health/legal
professionals. John's School demystifies professional intimate encounters
between consenting adults.
Attendees will learn about code words, how to use resources and different
types of venues and services such as strip and night clubs, massage, and
"full service" (where legal of course) in a light-hearted,
supportive atmosphere.
We will also present recent research and discuss new laws, policies and enforcement
priorities which target johns (AKA clients) through entrapment, coercive
diversion offers and racially discriminatory arrests.
Robyn Few of SWOP-USA
explains, "For the last decade the SFPD, the District Attorney's
office and SAGE, a local non-profit, have used "John's School"
as a shamed based program to make money off of prostitution arrests, instead
of loosing money by arresting prostitutes. This program has done nothing
to abate prostitution or get rid of clients. SWOP's "School for John's"
intends to instruct clients of their legal rights and teach them safe sex
skills and techniques, something useful not shameful."
As co-founder and Project Director of SWOP's 'School for Johns,' Bacchus
was motivated by his experience with sex workers to develop an educational
program for clients. "Sex work is a nightmare of exploitation for those
who are coerced or forced into it. For others, it is a neutral means of income.
For some lucky sex workers, it is a vocation that can be a constant source
of joy, allowing them to share, physically and spiritually, a love as well
as lust for life. Please, let us work together to free those from the first
group, welcome them from the second, and celebrate with the third, while
demanding equal respect for all of their human rights to pursue happiness
and share fulfillment."
Carol Leigh, founder BAYSWAN and the San Francisco Sex Worker Film and Arts
festival explains, "I want law enforcement to stop using the sham of
calling their shame based program 'education.' Our John's School is the opposite
of theirs, a program in which sex workers and clients can share information
in a sex-positive and supportive atmosphere.
School For Johns "Faculty"
SWOP-USA's School for Johns faculty includes sex workers of all genders,
from all walks of life.
Additional presenters are listed at: http://www.schoolforjohns.com/jsfaculty.html
Veronica Monet
Veronica Monet is a certified Sex Educator, offering workshops, lectures,
and professional advice on sex and relationships. Monet's new book, Veronica
Monet's Sex Secret of Escorts: Tips from a Pro (Alpha Books 2005), is available
in most major bookstores. Monet has over a decade's experience with the practical
and political aspects of sex work, having worked as an erotic model, porn
actress, prostitute, escort, and courtesan. Her political activism has included
volunteer work for Bay Area Bisexual Network, COYOTE San Francisco, and Sex
Worker Outreach Project
Stephanie Adraktas
Stephanie Adraktas is the Director of the New College School of Law Criminal
Defender Clinic which has conducted research on the San Francisco First Offender
Prostitution Program.
Robyn Few
Co-founder of SWOP's School for Johns, Robyn Few is also the founder of SWOP-USA.
Dubbed the "patriotic prostitute," a campaign centered on the idea
that prostitution should be decriminalized to protect women from violence
began in October 2003 with The Sex Workers Outreach Project.
Marc Perkel
Marc is a computer programmer and entrepreneur. He was the first on the web
to post a clients advice in his "How to Use Escort Services: A Men's
Guide."
Natasha Sommers
Natasha is a transgender activist and artist. She has had numerous careers
in her 21 years including floral arranger, secretary and, of course, escort.
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