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Yes, yes, yes! If we want to decriminalize we should make sure we eliminate all the evils that goes with prostitution, or decriminalization will only make it worse for those who are being exploited. And we must understand that voluntary and involuntary prostitution are not the same. One is good, the other is extremely bad. Also, the dehumanizing effect is still very much out there. Just go to other review boards and read the despicable "reviews" on women who can't fight back, like Asian massage parlours or street walkers. Every time I read reviews about a girl on how tight or loose her pussy is, how big her scar on her tummy from the cesarian section, how sagging her breasts are, I am thinking this is terrible, they are being scrutinized like livestock or slaves on the market :( Just go to one of the BC boards where you can read "reviews" on runaway teenagers and drug addict mothers on the streets by disgustingly disrespectful men, while other members are applauding them, finding it hilarious. Yes, the dehumanizing and degrading effect is still out there. We can't stick our heads in the sand and pretend it isn't. But, yes, the other side also exists. There are women who chose this job, are thriving on it and are respected by their clients. Both generalizitions are not only false, but harmful.

I took today off to go to dinner and then to a sex-workers' pride event at a local club thrown by the group POWER that I'm a member of, the event was a huge success and we generated a lot of support, I was beaming with pride at the cheers generated by the hosts to the plight of realizing what it means to have safety and independance and honour brought to our proffession.....and that it should be deemed as such: a noble proffession. supporters were cheered on too....everyone was appreciated. However the night was not without its batch of naysayers and judgmental ignorants at the end of the evening....i actually lost some "friends" tonight (notice I use the term "friends" loosely) getting caught in debate as to what our world really was about and truly deserved. it leaves me a bit saddened...actually VERY heavy hearted.. but gives me hope in that this was a huge step for Ottawa. A difficult upwards battle is definitely in our future tho. I was basically outed to everyone that I happened to know outside of work tonight who happened to be there (perhaps the shirt that said "I LOVE my job" played a part in this, lol)...but I dont care anymore. This is my life, I've chosen it and those who dont care to see past their own stereotypes yet still attend a night like POWER threw tonight wishing to scoff and cast stones....well I wonder why they showed up in the first place. (??) I for one know a few blokes who showed up seeing if they could meet some "hookers" and "peelers" first hand and were surprised and turned off that there was a homosexual market in ottawa and were disgusted that "queers" were even mentioned tonight. One (no longer) "friend" came up to me at one point and asked me to point out all the "hot whores" that were present. I said (in less polite words) that I regreted ever handing him a flyer. Many people worked long and hard and planned this event thoroughly and delivered an amazing show...full of shout-outs and respectful cheers and amazing music and live performances. I personally would like to applaud POWER (prostitutes of Ottawa Gatineau, Work Educate Resist) for bringing the community together tonight. I for one am not going to let tonight's naysayers affect my pride for my work...if anything I feel sorry for some who judge before they even try to understand. I hope that everyone in support of tonight or in organization of tonight sees the contribution over the judgement and recognizes what a big step they have made for our industry in Ottawa. I for one (no matter what I may have lost tonight...that didn't matter in the first place now that I think of it) have gained more strength from coming to terms with who I am tonight.... ....and I have POWER to thank for it. all my love, xoxo Annessa

This is courtesy of a member of another board's signature pic -- and I will be posting it in the other areas as well, as a reminder to everyone, if nothing else, exactly what it is people like this are all about. When you see it happen, silence is not golden -- they need to be confronted. When it happens to you, same thing -- record & report. Bullies can't function when they are exposed and when good people refuse to remain silent. :thumbs up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wp0zP8KPw0Q