The Getting to Zero Activist Academy, in partnership with Fenway Health and AIDS Action Committee, is hosting a symposium about the national movement to decriminalize sex work, and how this movement is integral to LGBTQ rights and other important social justice and public health issues.
The symposium, “Decrimpact,” will be held virtually on Saturday, February 26, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. It is open to the public; register here.
The goal of event is to spark conversation and inform viewers about the fight to decriminalize sex work in Massachusetts. This event will include panels with speakers addressing topics including public health, policy and the lived experiences of current and former sex workers. The documentary, “Out of the Shadows: The Movement to Decriminalize Sex Work,” will also be screened. This short film explores what decriminalization would mean from the perspective of academics, legislators and current and former sex workers.
Panelist will include experts from Fenway Health, GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders, Transgender Emergency Fund of MA, Black and Pink MA, The Sero Project, COYOTE RI and SOAR along with Mass. State Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, who has filed decriminalization legislation with State Rep. Liz Miranda and State Sen. Julian Cyr.
“The advocacy work done by our Fellows is all connected and essential to ending the HIV epidemic,” said Alyvia Norris, policy and advocacy coordinator at Fenway Health. “To do this work intentionally, we must be willing to engage in conversations and shared learning about these topics, which will ultimately decrease stigma and remove barriers to health and wellness.”
“Everyone has the power to take action towards ending the HIV epidemic, and by joining our Fellows at the Decrimpact Symposium we hope you feel empowered to stay engaged in this work!” Norris said.
The Activist Academy Fellowship is hosted by the Getting to Zero MA Coalition (GTZ). GTZ was started in Massachusetts in 2015 by AIDS Action Committee and Fenway Health and is now a collective of 40+ organizations across the state that are dedicated to ending the HIV epidemic.
For more about the event and to register, click here.
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