CRIMSON COALITION QUEENSLAND

Check out our website!

2009-07-16T02:54:00.000-07:00

Crimson Coalition now has a website

Crimson Coalition Consultation Day

2009-07-06T01:35:00.000-07:00

Hi all interested sex workers

The Crimson Coalition consultation day was held last Tuesday and was attended by workers from Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast!

Nine delegates were nominated to go to Townsville for a 3-day planning event on 19th-21st July which will result in the formation of a new sex workers' organisation - United Sex Workers.

Watch this space for news!

Sex workers consultation day - June 30

2009-05-20T23:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, CRIMSON COALITION is having a sex workers’ consultation day!

Brisbane 30th June 2009

The consultation day is to let sex workers know what is going on and get some feedback on what we have planned so far in our work with Queensland Health to develop a new state-wide organisation to replace SQWISI

The new organisation – United Sex Workers – will be managed and staffed by past and present sex workers to deliver education and support on sexual health and other issues relevant to sex workers.

We need a lot of past or present sex workers keen to get involved on a voluntary basis and/or provide feedback.

So a consultation day is being held in Brisbane on 30th June 2009 and we’d like you to come

We especially encourage male, transgender, Chinese and Thai sex workers to attend, as well as all you other working ladies, old and young, wherever you work!

Contact us for an information kit by June 14, 2009

Morning, afternoon tea and lunch provided / some transport costs can be reimbursed

This is a sex workers only event

Phone Candi on 0421569232 or email crimsoncoalitionqld@gmail.com

Webcast of Scarlet Alliance public symposium

2009-03-25T18:20:00.000-07:00

The Scarlet Alliance Public Symposium has been webcast for the first time!

It was held in Brisbane in November 2008 with the topic being "nothing about us without us: recognising sex worker expertise, leadership and self-determination"

The webcast can be viewed here: http://www.tinyurl.com/natsymp2

(It went offline for a while but is back!)

Can private workers in Queensland have a receptionist or a driver?

2009-03-05T23:16:00.000-08:00

In a word - NO, not yet.

There have been a few requests for info about this recently because the State Government have decided to go ahead with the Crime and Misconduct Commission recommendations from the REGULATING OUTCALLS review which included a proposal to allow private sex workers to have a receptionist. However, the government haven't changed the law yet and there's no way of telling how it will be changed or when.

So the legal situation for private sex workers in Queensland is still that you have to work alone unless you hire a bodyguard (with a Crowd Controllers' Licence) but this bodyguard cannot place your advertisement or answer your phone or take the money or be your driver.

Whether you can pay a driver to do outcalls is still a grey area.

Some police from the Prostitution Enforcement Task Force (PETF) have said in the past that it is ok to pay a driver (just like you would a cab driver or a chauffeur) but only if the driver gets a fee to drive only and doesn't hold the money or act as a bodyguard.

Crimson Candi

Sexual Health Awareness Week Feb 14 - 21

2009-02-19T21:30:00.000-08:00

Hey Sexy

Wanna get your rocks off but stay safe? Do yourself a favour and see a sex worker!

Did you know that:

Sex workers use safer sex techniques with their clients and know all about how to use condoms, dams and lubes to maintain their own sexual health as well as their client's?
It's against the law in Queensland for a client to ask a sex worker to provide a sexual service (vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex) without a condom or dam?
There has been no documented case of HIV transmission by a sex worker to a client (or vice versa) in Australia?

Sex workers are safer sexual health workers!

Contact Crimson Coalition

2009-01-29T20:06:00.000-08:00

Email: crimsoncoalitionqld@gmail.com

Phone: Candi 0421569232

PO Box 2470 New Farm Qld 4005

We especially want to hear from sex workers (past and present) who are interested in getting involved in developing a funded sex workers organisation for Queensland to replace SQWISI

Legal private worker harassed by neighbours

2009-01-22T17:28:00.000-08:00

The story below from a local Briz rag on 14th January has been picked up by wider Briz media, including the Courier Mail.

We got a call to make a comment on ABC 612 radio (20th January) where I said that:

* people in Queensland needed to realise that it has always been legal for a private person to do sex work from their own residence or from an apartment/hotel room that they rent for the purpose and that the current laws which protect private sex workers from discrimination have been in place for over 5 years now (Queensland Anti-discrimination Act 1991 - 2003 reprint)

* people, including landlords and neighbours, who try to deny accommodation to or harass private sex workers in any way might well find themselves facing the Anti-discrimination Tribunal.

The Brisbane City Council has urged people to contact them if they have concerns - Crimson Coalition urges sex workers who feel they are being discriminated against to contact us and we will tell you how you can make a complaint to the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal.

Crimson Candi xx

http://quest-news.whereilive.com.au/news/story/this-is-not-a-brothel1/

This is not a brothel!
Quest Newspapers
14 Jan 09 @ 06:36am by JOHN SIMPSON
Brothel fury ... Ron Viney

MEN looking for sex are making the lives of residents in a quiet Acacia Ridge street a misery. Homeowners in (STREET NAME REMOVED) are pestered around the clock by callers mistaking their houses for a sex worker’s address. And they appear powerless to stop the legal business conducted in their street. Individual sex workers are deemed sole operators and are permitted under Queensland law to conduct a business from a private premises. Resident Ron Viney said he feared for the safety of his wife and daughter. “On several occasions they’ve had people knocking on the door (asking about sex) (Like they wouldn't just ask for the name of the person that they are expecting to see, would the neighbours get upset if someone came to the wrong door if it was a hairdresser/lawyer/massage therapist next door? - Crimson Candi) A lot of these guys are on drugs. (What?!! the clients are on drugs?? where did that come from - Crimson Candi) That concerns me a lot.” Another resident said: “None of us really like it being here, but what can you do?” Another said: “We know guys come around all the time. We’ve complained about it. The police said it’s legal.” “We get sick of the traffic coming up here. We’ve got kids living in the street so it’s not really appropriate for them to see men coming out doing up their zips. (Excuse me?? They leave the premises doing up their zips? What a crock! Most clients would take a shower and get dressed and leave like a 'normal' person - Crimson Candi) It’s not very nice,” a resident said. The Southern Star asked Queensland Police for responses to several questions, including if it was aware of the business or the complaints made against it. Instead we received this statement: “Whilst any police officer can investigate a complaint from a member of the public relating to prostitution, the QPS Prostitution Enforcement Task Force conducts specialised investigations of this nature.” The Southern Star approached the female occupant of the house in question and she denied she was running a prostitution business. However, a call to a phone number in an “adult services” classified advertisement was answered by a sex worker who confirmed she was based at the address. A Brisbane City Council spokesman said the council had not received any complaints about the business, but said that any residents who had concerns could contact them on 3403 8888.

Queensland nurses are also sex workers

2008-12-23T21:56:00.000-08:00

Check it out - apparently the Health Minister, Stephen Robertson, is "disappointed" that Queensland nurses are taking on other jobs because he says they are among some of the highest paid in the country.

How about being proud that Queensland sex workers are so highly skilled?

Crimson Candi

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/702530/fed-up-nurses-turning-to-prostitution-reports

News from New Zealand

2008-12-23T21:41:00.000-08:00

Mystery client focus of murder inquiry

The Press Christchurch

Police are now focusing on the last client to pick up slain prostitute Mellory Manning on the night she disappeared and want to speak to a young male seen near where her body was dumped in the Avon.

Please read from Monday's news paper

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4800033a6009.html>> http://www.stuff.co.nz/4800034a6009.html>

'Sex Slave' Hairdresser gets 5 years

2008-12-23T21:24:00.000-08:00

Well it doesn't sound like Keith Dobie was a very nice guy - probably got his come-uppance, as they say, but I don't know about this 'sex slavery' hype.

Let's just hope the Thai workers manage to make some money before they get sent home now that the trial is over!

Crimson Candi

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24837641-662,00.html

The Herald Sun 23/12/08

A GOLD Coast hairdresser who forced two Thai women into sexual slavery to pay off debts to violent loan sharks has been jailed for five years.Keith William Dobie, 48, was the first person in Australia charged with people trafficking under new laws brought in two years ago to clamp down on international sex slavery, the Courier Mail reports. The former hairdresser yesterday pleaded guilty in the Brisbane District Court to two counts of people trafficking, one count of handling proceeds of crime, and four counts of presenting false documents. Dobie lured the women to Australia to work as prostitutes with promises of easy money and generous working conditions, but turned into an abusive and demanding pimp after they arrived, the court was told. Prosecutor Peter Flanagan, SC, said Dobie secured visas for the women by presenting false immigration documents to Australian officials in Thailand. He said Dobie was desperate to pay back money he had borrowed from Gold Coast loan sharks to finance his hairdressing salon and gambling addiction. The women were both mothers and saw the trip as an opportunity to set up their families financially, Mr Flanagan said. But on arriving on the Gold Coast, the women were forced to see as many as five clients a day, even when they were in physical pain from frequent sex and were menstruating. Mr Flanagan said Dobie earned up to $1000-a-day from the women, giving them the use of a room and $20 dollars a day for food and expenses in return. He sent as little as $600 in total to each of the womens' families. Mr Flanagan said Dobie was verbally and physically abusive, telling one of the women she "had to work whether she liked it or not", and told them they would be arrested by immigration officials if they tried to escape. Judge Leanne Clare told Dobie his treatment of the women had been "particularly demeaning and callous". "Your true intention was to make as much money from these women by working them as often as possible so you could pay off your own debts," she said. "In your numerous appearances before me I have seen no indication of remorse for your crimes or the suffering they have caused." She sentenced him to five years. He will be eligible for parole after serving 22 months.

UGLY MUG UPDATE

2008-08-27T06:03:00.000-07:00

UGLY MUG REPORT

Until such time we have funding for an Ugly Mug List, you can email details of Ugly Mugs to crimsoncoalitionqld@gmail.com

INCIDENT DETAILS: The worker who was attacked reported that the attack occurred on31/07/08, when he put his hands around her throat and attempted to strangle her during sex.
She's a sole operator in the Brisbane CBD, and her attacker called himself Nathan, appeared to be of Indian descent, but spoke with aScottish accent. The last 5 digits of his phone number are 89568. He was medium height, good-looking, and appeared to be in his late 20s. He had a green/blue heart-shaped tattoo on his right upper arm.

Get Involved

2008-08-13T23:46:00.000-07:00

GET INVOLVED!
Its time to get busy and get involved.Crimson Coalition* is a group of Queensland sex workers and former sex workers who work together to:

· uphold basic rights of sex workers

· have input into Queensland sex industry law reform, health and safety services, industrial relations and community attitudes

· keep each other informed about what is going on in the Queensland sex industry

· find out about legalities of working in different venues: e.g. brothels, private, street, escort etc.· enjoy a safe network of sex industry professionals where you are free to express yourself without fear of judgement and stigma.

· attend peer networked social outings and have some fun!

REMEMBER Crimson Coalition is currently a voluntary network with no funding so everything we do is achieved through the intelligence, passion and willpower of sex workers and support from our members!

* Formerly called SSPAN (Sexual Service Providers’ Advocacy Network

Originally posted April 7, 2008

Queensland Health Meeting

2008-08-13T22:50:00.001-07:00

Today members of Crimson Coalition, USNQ (United Sex Workers, North Queensland) and Scarlet Alliance attended a meeting with Queensland Health Communicable Diseases Unit in Brisbane to discuss the results of the recent review of Queensland sex worker needs by Rigmor Berg and Julie Bates.

There was considerable optimism about the probability that a new independant sex worker organisation would be funded to replace SQWISI.

Watch this space for news....

Candi xx

cc

2008-06-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

JOIN CRIMSON COALITION TODAY!

SCARLET SUBMISSIONS TO QLD HEALTH NOW ONLINE

2008-06-01T20:18:00.000-07:00

http://www.scarletalliance.org.au/library/qldsub_08/

ESCORT DIRECTORY SITES

2008-05-19T07:59:00.000-07:00

WE LIST AND REVIEW THE PLACES YOU ADVERTISE!
As more and more directory sites pop up online, we decided it would be worthwhile to compile a database of online directories and notes on each.
QLD Sole Operators will no doubt find this helpful.

No database like this has been compiled before and Crimson Coalition would like to assist sole operators find clarity in the murkiness of the online ad market.

Online classifieds such as http://www.cracker.com.au/, http://www.classifieds.news.com.au/, http://www.yellowpagesonline.com.au/ have not been reviewed here. I have focused on escort service specific directories.

Australian Babe - http://www.australian-babe.com/ .This site is well established online. Its scope is Australia wide in both appeal and audience. Private escorts from all States and Territories advertise here. The pressence of QLD sole operators is rather large making the site a popular choice amongst QLD workers. The forum is busy with a constant banter and chatter of clients, service providers and 'hobbyists'. The advertising rates are $175 per month. The site is owned by Nikki, a former worker herself. The service provider pictures are verified by Nikki.
Aussie Escorts - http://www.aussieescorts.com.au/ - The site claims to attract 1500 vistors a day. The site appears most popular with Victorian and NSW Escorts as they make up the majority of the advertisers. No service providers appear on the the QLD, S.A. or N.T pages. The ad rates are $125 per month upwards.
Gold Coast Escorts - Brisbane Escorts .... http://www.goldcoast-escorts-australia.com/ - Gold Coast Escort ....http://www.goldcoastescorts.com.au/ . These two directory sites are QLD specific. The site's owner, Shirl, is a Gold Coast local who maintains a close bond with advertisers on her site. Many go on tour and list several cities above their picture. The site also provides a local directory for Strippers, Brothels and Adult Shops thereby attracting more 'accidental surfers' The cost to advertise is $155 per month
Escorts of Australia - http://www.escorts-of-australia.com.au/ - Has listings Australia wide. The pressence of QLD escorts is dismal compared to the amount of Sydney escorts and escort agencies that have advertised here. The cost is $150 per month upwards. Advertisers are escorts, agencies, brothels and photographers. Rachel and Alexa have 20 years industry experience. Note: site being updated at time of assessment
Sensual Downunder - http://www.sensualdownunder.com/ - Has listings of private workers and Sydney brothels. The escorts that appear on the site tour regularly and few are from QLD. The majority however are Sydney service providers. The forum is host to 11,000 members. Escort Blogs also feature on the site giving punters a voyeristic insight into the mind of an Escort. Listings appear for all major capital cities and there is an international link. This is one of the larger sites appealing to a wider audience and not necessarily the paying type or the QLD state specific type. Not many QLD service providers appear on the site. The advertising fee is $120 however there is a "free listing" option with cross promotion being the condition.
Fun In Australia - http://www.funinaustralia.com/ - This site boasts the busiest forum in Australia. At 3:51am Tuesday, there were 133 active members online. There are over 24,000 registered members. The Escort directory is ancillary to the main hub of the site being the chatrooms. Accountability is evident looking at the site. An advertiser is informed of how many visits their listing has attracted and is able to make better marketing decisions. On the downside, there is no listed set price for advertising, rather packages are tailored to suit. Many suggestions are submitted yet suitability is determined on a case by case basis. Can anyone give a rough idea of price? Qld escorts are eclipsed by NSW and VIC service providers. Many of the service providers tour regularly to Qld.
Adult Sydney - http://www.adultsydney.com.au/ - this is more an adult online community than a directory site. Allowance is made for escorts to list their ads and this is for free. As the site's name indicates, Sydney is the dominant feature.
Working Girls Online - http://www.workinggirlsonline.com/ - this site aims at the international community. The good news is that it is free to place an ad... the site requests that you refer others and / or mention them on your site. Not many QLD sole operators appear on the site yet the service is fairly new and its early days.
Private Girls Australia - http://www.privategirls.com.au/ - This is a new site that caters to audience Australia wide. The site is still in its early stages. The site's developer has experience in the sex industry. The site is aimed at supporting private workers as well as directing punters that wish to use private workers to a site that exclusivley hosts them. There are plenty of QLD escorts that appear here as well as escorts from other states. The advertising costs have not been disclosed.
Adultfinder - http://www.adultfinder.com.au/ - in order for punters to navigate this site, they must register and pay a nominal fee. This is a drawback, however, the cost to list your ad is free. The site is aimed at an Australia wide audience and the state of QLD is well represented.
Escort Source - http://www.escortsource.com.au/ - aims to provide escort services Australia wide. The site features a handful of NSW sole operators. The advertising prices are provided upon email request
Escort Pages - http://www.escortpages.com.au/ - claims to be the leading escort directory in Australia. Private Escorts and Agencies can list. 200 plus listings so far and 3000 hits a day according to site published statistics. QLD is well represented in its numbers. The pricing is disclosed upon request to be made by email request.
Escorts In Oz - http://www.escortsinoz.com.au/ - This is a new site. The scope is Australia wide. Free advertising. Ad information to be sent via email
Hot Escorts - http://www.hotescorts.com.au/ - established online in 2006, it serves as a directory for private escorts, escort agencies and brothels Australia wide 'offering exposure nationally and internationally' (note: just how much exposure is unknown). It seems that this directory is best suited to operators with their own site. Some may find value in having it just as a listing as its free to advertise on Hot Escorts (provided that a link to them (or a referral) is placed on your site.)
After Dark Australia - http://www.afterdarkaustralia.com/ - This new site is popular with QLD service providers. Monthly advertising fee of $165.00. The site is open to sole operators, brothels, nude models, strippers and a ' buy my underwear' link...hmmm? NOTE: THE SITE HAS BEEN TAKEN DOWN
Australian Courtesans - http://www.australiancourtesans.com/ - This is a new site. The scope is Australia wide. Free advertising. Online form fulfills ad requirements.
Australian Escorts - http://www.australian-escorts.com.au/ has very little QLD advertisers. The magority of ads are NSW service providers. The site hosts a large forum member list. It also gives updated news on members. It has an extensive LINK network (see below). To advertise an email is to be sent to Diane, who will then advise of costs - we were quoted $250 per month.
Escorts Brisbane and Queensland Escorts - http://www.escortsbrisbane.com/ AND http://www.queenslandescorts.com/ are part of the AUSTRALIAN ESCORTS NETWORK

PLEASE NOTE: I have not reviewed "Big Black Book" or "Escort Looker" because quite frankly, I dont know how to. They are reading like agencies or'bait' for other businesses / services. can anyone assist?

If you are able to provide a review, please email.

Have I missed any?

xx Always

CRIMSON

QLD HEALTH REVIEW - SUBMISSIONS FOR REPORT

2008-04-03T15:47:00.000-07:00

As you are aware, is has been a 15 month process since SQWISI in Southern Queensland closed its doors, and 10 months since the organization voluntarily wound down and closed all services across the state.

The Health Dept had contracted two consultants, Julie Bates and Rigmor Berg, to do an needs Assessment of Sex Workers in QLD. They gathered input from sex workers around QLD and are reporting back to QLD Health.

Just wondering whether anyone here met up with them and provided their input?

The report to QLD Health is concerned with the HIV/AIDS, Hep C and sexual health education as well as other needs of Sex Workers.

If you didn't meet with the consultants but wish you had, or if this is the first you have heard about this, you can rest easy knowing you have another chance to voice your opinion.

Crimson Coalition would like to hear from you.

What have you done since the closure of SQWISI? How did you feel about it closing? What are your thoughts / suggestions regarding the needs of sex workers from a Government funded sex worker service? What have you done in fulfillment of these needs for yourself and / or your peers? What challenges have you faced and what suggestions can be made?

Your critical opinions are valued greatly.

Scarlet Alliance is making a formal and public submission to Qld Health documenting efforts made by individual sex workers and sex worker organizations since closure of SQWISI.

Crimson Coalition will be making a submission of its own as well as providing Scarlet Alliance with feedback for theirs.

Please contact Crimson Coalition via email crimsoncoalitionqld@gmail.com to provide your input.

Thank you :)

CRIMSON DISCOVERIES

2008-03-22T06:37:00.000-07:00

Its been over three months since we have updated this Blog site.

Over three months has passed since our Christmas gifts.

For the record, the gift packs contained condoms, lube, candy cane, christmas card, sex worker issues relevance survey, organisation brochure with membership form and a handbeaded bracelet - each in a handpainted fabric drawstring bag.

OUR INTENTIONS WITH THE CHRISTMAS GIFT PACKS :-

The Crimson Coalition Christmas Gift packs were handed out to fellow Queensland sex workers, our peers, in a gesture of good faith, happy holiday wishes and our upmost support, effort and sincerty in 'giving' to our peers.. The candy cane, Christmas card, handpainted fabric drawstring bag and hand beaded bracelet that accompanied the standard 'prophylactic handout' would have no doubt made this apparent.

The gift packs were also hope of 'spreading the word' of Crimson Coalition and informing fellow sex workers and business managers throughout the industry of our pressence, aims and objectives -this was mainfested by the inclusion of an information brochure about Crimson Coalition with an invitation to become involved with Crimson Coalition through our peer and affilate membership.

We also hoped to gain input from sex workers in Queensland of matters they regard as being important to them so that we may obtain an overall summation of the key issues and needs of sex workers in Queensland and pass this information on to the relevant persons nominated by Queensland Health to obtain such feedback. A survey requesting such input was included in each pack.

100 packs were distributed.

The majority of the packs were distributed to legal brothels in Queensland. A small percentage of the packs were given to sole operators and illegal sex workers. With each brothel that we delivered our packs to, we also included a bottle of wine with the Crimson Coalition label as a token of our appreciation and best holiday wishes to the management of the establishment.

It was Christmas and we were in the 'Christmas spirit' of giving - with a cause.

Does it seem a little bit odd that over three months has passed and we have not received ONE SURVEY OR MEMBERSHIP FORM OR EMAIL from a brothel sex worker?

If any gift recipients are reading this and can shed some light on the subject please do so as its quite disturbing and somewhat a concern to Crimson Coalition ; do brothel workers not wish to identify themselves with the other sectors of the industry? Or were they 'influenced' or swayed or even cautioned by the Premises not to associate themselves with Crimson Coalition?

We had expected at least ONE survey returned or at the very least an email from at least ONE worker saying 'THANK YOU' or making further enquiries about Crimson Coalition itself or the Relevance Survey. Were the bags and the bracelets discarded too?

Its the output / input disproportion that saddens me the most. Especially the workers and friends who took time out of their busy schedules to paint bags, bead bracelets and visit the venues bearing gifts as they have little to no reason to put in that much effort again!

A cloud of mystery now circles Qld Brothel Workers - where are their minds at and how do they define themselves? Any input is better than none, so please know that the opinion polls are open - hell, even a speculative hypothesis is better than the silence.

Perhaps its time CrimsonCat works in a few brothels?

CRIMSON COALITION XMAS GIFT PACKS

2007-12-28T15:27:00.000-08:00

FOR OUR FIRST EVER CHRISTMAS....

CRIMSON COALITION put together a heap of

CHRISTMAS GIFT PACKS !!!!

FOR WORKERS

THE BAGS - Calico drawstring bags about 25cm x 18cm - EACH BAG WAS HAND PAINTED BY CRIMSON COALITION MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS.

No 2 bags are identical

Painting each bag was kinda fun as there were NO RULES except that of the artist's perceived relevance to QLD Sex Work and CC.

FUN FACT!!!! The paint WASHES OFF should its recipient so desire a PLAIN CALICO BAG - BORING! yawn.. BUT HEY, we took into account the fact the bag had SO MANY PURPOSES.

...so many different bags....

??? SO WHY NOT A PLASTIC BAG OR ENVELOPE?

"WELL, WE WANTED SOMETHING QLD WORKERS COULD KEEP TO REMEMBER CRIMSON COALITION...ALSO, WE WANTED SOMETHING SPECIAL AS THIS IS OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS"

IDEALLY we envision all sex workers in QLD tottering around with their INDIVIDUALLY HAND PAINTED bag containing work essentials, however, as each bag is unique, so is each worker's circumstance, style, personal taste and intended use of the bag.

SO IF A WORKER DOESNT LIKE THE BAG'S DESIGN?

... Simple.. chuck the bag in the wash!

ENOUGH ABOUT THE BAGS ALREADY....

.... EACH CHRISTMAS PACK CONTAINED.....

1. ALL HAND PAINTED 'CC' BAGS CONTAINED a WHITE 'CC' PARCEL filled with CONDOMS & LUBE

HUGE THANKS to SWOP NT & ANSELL a.k.a. CRIMSON CONDOM FAIRYS ...

^ HMMM....IRONIC THAT QLD SEX WORKER CHRISTMAS EFFORTS look kinda illegal! ha!! just goes to show things aren't always how they appear...

2. A COPY OF PRO-VISION (The Scarlet Alliance publication)

3. A CHRISTMAS CARD WITH BEST WISHES FROM CRIMSON COALITION
4. CANDY KANE

5. QLD SEX WORKERS SURVEY
6. CRIMSON COALITION INFORMATION LEAFLET AND MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM

AND, SOMETHING UNIQUE THAT UNITES ALL SEX WORKERS ...

7. A CRIMSON COALITION BEADED BRACELET!!!

Each beaded bracelet is different in bead distribution, bead colour, bead size and so forth.

The only unifying feature of each beaded bracelet is the cluster of red beads in it.

The red beads represent SEX WORKERS.

The other beads can represent other member groups, individuals or cliques in our community.

The informal cluster of red ('crimson') beads represents Queensland Sex Workers and Crimson Coalition as their support network 'to which we cluster'... beads are discreet and only sex workers know what they represent... Hence they can be worn casually or during work to motivate strength, unity and support. ...AWWWW

CRIMSON MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS BONDED DURING THE LENGTHY BEADING PROCESS AND AS SUCH BEADS ARE HEADED TO BECOMING A FUTURE FIXTURE SYMBOLLIC ACCESSORY OF SORTS FOR CRIMSON COALITION ....

PWETTY...

ta da!!!!

CRIMSON COALITION CHRISTMAS GIFT TO QUEENSLAND SEX WORKERS!!!

2007-12-20T02:50:00.000-08:00

HO! HO! HO!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Qld Prostitution in the News - update

2007-10-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

THE NEWS: Indy prostitution angers judge

From: The Courier-Mail October 26, 2007

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22653764-952,00/.html

IN A NUTSHELL - during Indy there was a PETF undercover operation - ARRESTED were 1 male driver + 2 female sex workers.

Magistrate Brian Kilmartin said the driver was a " key player in the gross exploitation and trafficking of women" (Workers are ASIAN = "trafficked"(?!)). Workers seen as victims - sympathy for poor darlings noted, gross discrepancy between advertised age and actual ages publicised. Driver was not seen as a means of protection or safety for the workers during Indy.

ALL FOR THE FOLLOWING OUTCOME... Workers: FINED $200 no conviction recorded. Driver FINED $500 conviction recorded.

THE OUTCOME FOR THE SEX INDUSTRY - 30 comments from Mr John and Ms Jane Citzen show that client confidence in accuracy of descriptions in advert is now at an all time LOW. Mistrust by public placed in Asian Worker Escort Services linking to trafficked women assumptions. The Magistrate (called Judge in header) should be noted for his anti-prostitution stance. Defence Lawyer BILL POTTS argued that sex workers need someone to drive them and help keep them safe.

Report to Scarlet Alliance National Forum 2007

2007-10-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

CRIMSON COALITION

(Formerly SSPAN – Sexual Service Providers’ Advocacy Network)

Report to the Scarlet Alliance National Forum 2006-2007

At Kalgoorlie, October 2007

Crimson Coalition has had an exciting and challenging year.

The closure of SQWISI
The excitement and challenges started with the closure in November 2006 of SQWISI (Self-Health for Queensland Workers in the Sex Industry) which had been one of the few autonomous sex worker organisations in the country (funded by Queensland Health) and had provided services for Queensland workers for over 12 years.

Initially, SQWISI were to ‘restructure and reopen’ in March 2007 and so SSPAN moved to provide some input into what shape this restructure would take. Later, when we were advised that SQWISI would be dissolving as an incorporated body and that sexual health education services would be tendered out to another organization we found ourselves in a challenging situation.

Scarlet Alliance helped us to lobby a variety of government authorities and community-based organizations delivering similar health services to ensure that peer-education would remain a high priority in the upcoming tender. A joint Scarlet Alliance-SSPAN forum on the future of peer-education in Queensland was held in Brisbane in July 2007 toward this end.

The closure of SQWISI was solely a result of incompetent management and I believe that this may have caused the relevant Queensland Government departments and other NGO’s to think that sex worker organizations are not viable and that services to sex workers can be better delivered by non-peer organizations.

Formalising SSPAN as Crimson Coalition
In order to position ourselves to obtain government funding we decided to make a start toward Incorporating as a legal entity. Many decisions had to be made – and some of these are still not totally cast in stone – membership basis, fees, management committee, organization name.

We changed our name to Crimson Coalition – a baby Scarlet Alliance?

We are still in the process of figuring out the legalities of incorporation. For example, there can be problems with having people with criminal records on the management committee in Queensland – but we will work these out.

Other services to sex workers
All year we have provided information by phone and flyer to sex workers. Post-SQWISI closure, over the Christmas/New Year period, we conducted some street outreach (thanks to condom donations from NT SWOP and ANSELL) in the New Farm area. We have also provided support to sex workers facing serious legal charges over the year.

Media activities
SSPAN members have continued to engage in some media activities, although our profile could be much higher!

One ABC Radio 612 “Drive-Time” interview focused on the Queensland opposition leader who, instead of calling the Premier a hypocrite, likened him to “a prostitute in a ball gown talking about celibacy”. This was a fun interview that allowed a lot of pro-sex industry commentary to be dropped into a general critique of politicians attitudes toward sex workers.

We have also set up a SSPAN e-list (on Yahoo like the Scarletlist) which makes it easier for those of us with computers to keep in contact. A lot of information has been loaded into the files section of the site and is ready to be transferred to our own website which we hope to set up in the not-too-distant future.

The future of Crimson Coalition
Crimson Coalition now have in place a Bank Account and a new Management Committee and are working on developing a constitution to become an Incorporated Association in Queensland. We hope to set up a website and should be able to finance this through donations and small project funding.

In conjunction with Scarlet Alliance, we will be providing input into the Queensland Health review to be conducted later this year and may make submission for the government tender that this review will inform.

We are considering other options for fundraising – Corporate sponsorship? Product sales? Licensed clubhouse? That sounds like fun!

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

2007-09-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-29T13:01:00.001-07:00

"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!

2007-09-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

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