Recently Hookers for Hillary, an organization founded by the owner of The Bunny Ranch in Nevada, has been gaining attention in the news. The group is comprised of sex workers who support Hillary Clinton. One has to wonder if Hillary is appreciative or if she is ignoring their supportive alliance? Other sex workers have expressed varying opinions and even some suspicion about the motives of the group.
This has opened space for an interesting conversation to take place regarding the politics of sex workers and the often divergent opinions held within this community regarding the way forward. An opinion offered by Carly Simon speaks to this divide:
I have all the respect in the world for Nevada brothel workers, but when it comes down to it, they represent a very privileged section of the industry so I think it’s easier for them to ignore the fact that Hillary doesn’t speak for the marginalized and in fact has actually worked against them throughout her career.
This has led to a lot of discussion regarding whether sex workers will find support in presidential politics. Because state and local laws are where oppression often occurs, rights organizations are more focused on local campaigns rather than endorsing presidential candidates. In addition, many of the outreach organizations serving this population are legally prevented from candidate endorsement.
No sex worker organization worth their salt is making presidential endorsements. The fact is that no presidential candidate is standing up for the rights of sex workers or speaking on our issues. Presidential politics is not where we will find our liberation.
Maybe Hillary will hear the cry from the sex worker groups that support her, and as a female candidate will move toward sex workers rights as she has been a steady voice for women’s rights throughout her political career.
I don’t see Donald Trump moving in that direction any time soon.
Let’s hope that there can be a united voice among women who need support, wherever there is a marginalized population that needs protection and advocacy around the nation. And that whoever gets elected next November will be supportive of that voice.
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