a 'lil history (circa 2004 onwards...)

CRIMSON COALITION, formerly SSPAN, didn't just happen overnight....

Once upon a time....

A group of sex workers and former sex workers who wanted to have a voice in issues relevant to all Queensland sex workers – laws, regulations, health, safety, discrimination and stigma - decided to do something about it....

So, armed with their nokia's, lippy, 9-tail whips, manicured fingernails and an attitude that can handle high heels as well as a business suit, they did just that...

Formed in 2004, Crimson Coalition (then known as the Sexual Service Providers' Advocacy Network) became a voice for service providers in the legal brothel/sex industry to support member service providers with information and resources to complement their business practices, which in turn, ensures professional service for the public.


Say what?! - "Business practices?!".."Professional service..?!"

the group of sex workers took a deep breath..."Yes,..."

Someone has to undertake advocacy on behalf of service providers/sex workers and that comes best from people in the know... OTHER SEXUAL SERVICE PROVIDERS ... more universally known as SEX WORKER PEERS

By sharing information and forming a positive platform for the resolution of common issues this group could go where no other organisation, especially those formed by individuals who have never worked in the sex industry could...to the comfy space thats nestles between courage and understanding from another...

As the years passed, they started to become a respected voice for service providers to industry associations, agencies and government.

Yes GOVERNMENT... quite simple really...sex worker organisations, operating on best practice principles, whilst lobbying for legislative reform to support these best practices, remaining politically non-aligned, are able to provide researched and well-informed advice to Local and State Government, media and the public on a range of issues affecting the adult industry and service provision in general.

BUT THE TRULY AMAZING PART OF THIS STORY...

SSPAN, now Crimson Coalition, is conducted on a volunteer basis and is self-funded by members who are current or former sex workers

The End of the beginning...

CRIMSON COALITION OBJECTIVES

"WE BELIEVE...."

CRIMSON COALITION OBJECTIVES

Crimson Coalition (formerly SSPAN) Queensland is a member organisation of Scarlet Alliance (the Australian national peak sex worker organisation). Our objectives are in keeping with the basic aims and philosophy of the Scarlet Alliance.

ALL Members of Crimson Coalition must support and agree with the following objectives:-

1 To promote the civil and human rights of past and present sex workers and to work toward ending all forms of discrimination against them;

2 To lobby for legal and administrative frameworks which do not discriminate against sex workers;

3 To challenge any government at any time when and where it implements legislation, regulations, rules, policies or law enforcement practices which are discriminatory and /or repressive to the rights and autonomy of sex workers;

4 To actively promote the right of all sex workers to work in whatever area of their chosen occupation;

5 To actively work towards guaranteeing the right of all sex workers to optimum occupational health and safety provisions. This will promote conditions where safe sex and general health knowledge can be converted to safe work practices. Furthermore, challenge any legislation, policy or process which does not so promote the rights of the worker;

6 To strive to eradicate sex worker stereotypes and stigmatisation in the popular consciousness and to communicate the diversity of ideas, opinions and aspirations of past and present sex workers;

7 To liaise with national and state sex worker rights groups in the development of regional and national networks, programs and objectives;

8 To support sex workers to become more politically active;

9 To enhance the capacity of sex workers to participate in advancing their rights and build networks & organisations;

10 To gather and disseminate sex industry related information to members;

11 To operate with a peer-based, peer-education philosophy which we believe to be the most efficient means of disseminating safe-sex, violence prevention and rights-awareness messages to sex workers

12 To provide peer-based services to sex workers

AND WE'RE OFF TO A GREAT START!

Hello Everyone,

WOW! We are starting to get there!


WELCOME TO CRIMSON COALITION QUEENSLAND

A new sex worker group with a fresh approach....



SOME F.A.Q.'s

How does Crimson Coalition differ from SQWISI?

For a start we have no funding! Well, as you may know, SQWISI (Self-Health for Queensland Workers in the Sex Industry) is no longer around. SQWISI was funded to provide sexual health education for Queensland sex workers and in later years, as their funding was reduced, could provide little support outside of this area.

SQWISI was no longer a member of Scarlet Alliance partly because they didn't make it a priority to employ sex work peers as outreach workers.

Crimson Coalition supports and is a member of Scarlet Alliance - the Australian peak sex work organisation. We agree with their objectives which can be found at www.scarletalliance.org.au

Sex work in Queensland is restricted by legislation that criminalises sex workers operating outside the scope of the law. Sex work is legal in two scenarios: licensed brothel and privates working alone (aka 'sole operators'). This itself isolates sex workers (even those working within the law) from the usual work support a worker in any other industry has access to.

Crimson Coalition is a network of sex workers joining forces and giving each other peer to peer support and strength as well as an exchange of resources and information (including sex worker friendly business referrals).

A worker's legal status is irrelevant. We support all sex workers.

It is agreed that the best way to eradicate exploitation and stigmatisation is through pride, power and knowledge. That is the effect Crimson Coaltion aims for.

Crimson Coaltion is geared towards legal incorporation as an association and welcome memberships, donations and opinions.

Sounds great! What about sex worker's health matters?

The health of sex workers is very important to Crimson Coalition. We believe that a wholistic approach to health is needed - sexual health, occupational health and safety, mental health, physical health and safety. We are concerned that public money for sexual health education will be available soon and will end up being administered by non-peer based organisations. Sex workers know that sexual health is just one area of importance and we stress that sex worker issues need a whole of government approach. A lot of Queensland government departments need to get on board - not just Communicable Diseases Branch!


Why 'Crimson Coalition' as a name?

Well, Scarlet Alliance is the national peak body on sex worker rights. 'Scarlet' is a shade of RED ... funnily enough.... the sex worker group in Victoria is RhED.... In Western Australia, Magenta (a pinky red) is the sex worker group.... So, keeping in tradition of the 'woman in red', and wanting another word that connotes ALLIANCE, the members at our last meeting agreed on 'CRIMSON COALITION'...


How do I join?

You must be a current or former sex worker. No sex industry business owners or managers (sorry) are able to join as Full Peer Members because we believe that there exists a conflict between the financial interests of operators and the true interests of sex workers. Sex industry operators who wish to support us may join as Supporter Members but this membership confers no voting rights. Supporter Membership is $50.

Your Full Peer Membership must be nominated by an existing member. Each membership applicaton is assessed independantly on its merits and outcome is the Committee's discretion. Full Peer Membership is $10.


I am not a sex worker or a sex industry operator but wish to support Crimson Coalition. Can I get involved?

Yes you can join as an Supporter Member for $50.

Anyone can lobby for sex workers rights! Get active online or vocal in writing. Recognise restrictive actions and stop anyone who applys them. Basically, be brave, loud and proud.

If you have a skill or knowledge resource that you feel may assist, email crimsoncoalitionqld@gmail.com we are just starting to make an impact and are close to incorporation. Some of our long term goals include setting up a website, monthly print publication and office with staff and facilities. If you think you can help (eg: discount on office goods, IT Support, Logo Design etc) we would love to hear from you.

We thank all of our supporters and have a special Supporters Membership. It's slightly more expensive yet is well worth when you consider privacy issues that arise, at $50 per membership application. Supporter Members have limited rights regarding Votes at the AGM, yet this should not be something of issue as I'm sure supporters of Crimson Coalition would seek membership for the wonderful insight gained.

How can I donate?

You can donate to Crimson Coalition by:

POST (bank cheque, cheque, money order made out to 'Crimson Coalition' ) to:
P.O. Box 2470 New Farm Qld 4005 [receipts mailed out only upon request]

BANK direct deposit / EFT into:

St. George Bank, Brisbane City Branch,
Account Name: Crimson Coalition
BSB: 114 879
Account Number: 483605476


Can I come to a meeting?

YES! Meetings are held on the every two weeks at times and venues to be announced but please note:


MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO CURRENT OR FORMER SEX WORKERS ONLY





ANY MORE QUESTIONS? Please email them to crimsoncoalitionqld@gmail.com