The continued criminalisation of sex work in South Africa means sex workers must still largely work in the shadows enduring the dangers that come with that, says Megan Lessing.

Ms Lessing, an advocacy officer for the Observatory-based Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Task force (Sweat), was speaking at Village Green in Observatory on Saturday September 14 when about 50 sex workers got together to recognise International Sex Worker Pride Day.

Sweat organised the event, which drew support from the Triangle Project, the South African Network of People who use Drugs (SANPUD), Gender Dynamic, Out LGBT Wellbeing and the Majawie Safespace.

“There is a lot of advocacy and fight for the rights of sex workers, and this day is the one day that they can be celebrated,” said Ms Lessing.

SANPUD national advocacy co-ordinator Charne Roberts said they fought for the rights of drug users.

“We work with clinics and police stations as well. We notice that when people use drugs, they don’t get treated fairly because of the way they look and smell. It’s our job to see that health facilities and police are sensitised so they know how to treat people.”

Leah Turner, from the Bellville-based Gender Dynamics non-profit, said they worked closely with sex workers.

“Many of the sex workers in the community are homeless, so we will refer them to various services that can provide them with support and refer them to shelter space.”

Jackye Majawie, founder of Majawie Safespace, a non-profit from Delft, said they fought against gender violence and hate speech, specifically against the queer community and transgender sex workers.

“My hope is that this event will grow next year,” she said.

Priscilla, a sex worker from Strand who has been in the business for 20 years, said Sweat had given her a lot of support.

“I understood what my rights were, and I could stand up for my fellow sex workers as well,” she said.

Asked about the risks that came with being a sex worker, she said: “Many jobs out there also have danger; we must just be cautious.“

Portia Siphokazi, a sex worker from Langa who has been in the business for six years, said sex work allowed her to put food on the table for her and her teenage daughter although it was not without its dangers.

“When I work at night, I walk with my colleagues, and if I come across a client, I find it safer to book a room,” she said.

International Sex Workers Pride Day was important, she said, adding: “It is good for the community to see us, and they can learn that we see sex work as work.”

Members of Sweat, from left, Pam Ntshekula, Megan Lessing and Livell Bosman.

From left are Sivi Mjindi, from Out LGBT Wellbeing, with Gender Dynamics’ Leah Turner, Wilma Kok, Melody Seherrie, Gleo Booysen and Princess Munyai.

Founder of the Majawie Safespace, Jackye Majawie, flanked by fellow members, Thami Siyo, left, and Ashley Varoyi.

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Sex workers step out of the shadows