Day 6---BAM!?!?!

3/24/11

          Thursday was one of the most interesting days of the entire trip so far. We left early in the morning to Northeast DC, braving the cold and windy weather to arrive at HIPS - Helping Individual Prostitutes Survive.  There, we met with JD, the manager of Education and Supportive Services. HIPS' mission is to help sex workers in Washington through a harm reduction method, which consists of services such as syringe exchanges, handing out condoms and lollipops and providing referrals for things such as job placement services.   HIPS provides outreach to straight, gay, lesbian and transgender sex workers and maintains a welcoming environment.

          One of the most memorable parts of our visit to HIPS was the discussion we had with JD regarding prostitution and human trafficking.  Unlike other discussions we had, JD was more interested in answering our questions and facilitating a dialogue instead of simply supplying us with information. What was also unique about the discussion was JD's position regarding the legalization and regulation of prostitution.  He was in support of legalization, arguing that it would empower sex workers and also make them safer.  It was a contradiction to what we have heard, especially from the debate at Shared Hope International. JD argued that the age of consent in many states (16) is at odds with what the Trafficking Victims Protection Act considers to be the age of consent (18).  In other words, he thought that sex workers between the ages of 16 and 18 ought not to be considered victims of trafficking. He also had a problem with the label of 'victim,' saying that if a sex worker does not see his or herself as a victim then it would be damaging to label him or her as such. Even though we slightly disagreed as we KNOW the average age of entry into prostitution in 13, we learned a new perspective on the issue of prostitution and human trafficking.

         After the discussion, we had lunch and met Tia, the front desk receptionist who also was a counselor to transgender sex workers.  For some in our group, it was the first time meeting a someone who is transgendered. She was very gregarious and really helped lighten the mood after the spirited but serious discussion. Later, we split up to help out around the organization. Some of us picked up trash in the front garden, some of us reorganized the cupboards and the rest helped fold and organize clothes. Once these tasks were completed, we reconvened for a brief but very informative lesson about safe sex.  We then parted ways with JD and HIPS and headed out to Dupont Circle.

          Once at Dupont, we heard from Lee McClure, the Outreach and Research Coordinator of Free The Slaves. Free The Slaves focuses largely on international human trafficking and combats it through prosecution, prevention, partnership and protection. FTS recognizes that fighting human trafficking is a multifaceted effort, requiring economic development, advocacy, and more. Lee seemed very passionate about his work.

          Our evening reflection was also very animated, as we struggled to reconcile what we learned at HIPS with what we learned from other organizations. One conclusion we came to was that there is no single right answer to the human trafficking question, and that there are different perspectives on everything. It was a very enriching day to say the least!

          We had another birthday to celebrate, Hyo's,  and some MORE CAKE that was delicious!