Session 2

The "Session 2 - C.L.I.T Fest Wellington 2013" encapsulates a profound discussion on the history and realities of sex work in New Zealand. The event features contributions from Kate Scarlet, who specializes in employment law, alongside voices of active and former sex workers, as well as advocates from the New Zealand Sex Workers' Collective (NZPC). The participants share their experiences and insights, covering a period from the 1980s through to the 2000s.

One focus of the discussion is the evolution of the rights of sex workers in New Zealand. A significant milestone celebrated is the 25th anniversary of NZPC and the 10th anniversary of the decriminalization of sex work. Decriminalization is highlighted as a crucial legal reform that has empowered sex workers with human rights, autonomy, and protection from abuse and police intimidation. Furthermore, the session sheds light on the history of the collective organization in the sex work community, driven by needs for health and safety, notably during the onset of the HIV/AIDS crisis. This collective action led to more organized advocacy and political engagement for sex workers’ rights.

Another topic discussed is the stigma and challenges faced by sex workers, particularly transgender workers, from harassment and violence on the streets to the legal complexities facing migrant workers. Sex workers' rights groups have campaigned against proposals like zoning laws, which would marginalize street-based sex workers and potentially undermine their safety and livelihoods.

A key aspect of the session is the exploration of the tension between legal frameworks, societal attitudes towards sex work, and personal experiences of sex workers. The discussion critiques the promotion of false narratives around sex work, including the conflation of sex work with human trafficking. Panelists aim to dismantle misconceptions and urge a balanced understanding that encompasses the diverse reasons clients seek sex workers, including therapeutic ones.

In terms of challenges and opportunities post-decriminalization, sex workers in New Zealand face issues such as employment practices within the industry, workers’ rights, and the client-worker relationship. Education and mutual support systems within the community are essential, as there is a notable absence of formalized training institutes for sex work.

The panel emphasizes the importance of collective action to address ongoing and emerging threats to sex workers' rights and the need for allies to support advocacy efforts. The session calls for proactive engagement with the public and legislators to ensure the preservation and advancement of the rights and safety of sex workers within the broader context of social justice.

The session concludes on a reflective note, with an inquiry into the audience's changing perceptions after the discussions, exemplifying the potential for open dialogues on sex work to enlighten and transform societal attitudes.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Catherine Healy Chanel Hati Kate Scarlet

1980s, 2000s, abuse, aotearoa new zealand, auckland, c.l.i.t fest wellington 2013, carol leigh, catherine healy, chanel hati, eliza mary king, entrapment, graeme lee, harassment, hate crime, health, history, hiv / aids, homosexual law reform, inland revenue department, justice, kate scarlet, law, mandatory sexual health testing, manukau city council (regulation of prostitution in specified places) bill (2010), maurice williamson, migrants, ministry of business, innovation and employment, needle exchange programme, new zealand first, nzpc: aotearoa new zealand sex workers' collective, police, prostitution reform act (2003), racism, safe sex, sex, sex work, solicitation, stereotypes, sti, stigma, tim barnett, transgender, wellington, wellington irish society hall, winston peters

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