Excluded from federal relief, sex workers strategize for survival

Many sex workers are barred from accessing protections and resources meant to help workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic — federal small business loans, for example, specifically excludes those whose work is “of a prurient sexual nature” from eligibility. Organizations like St. James Infirmary, a peer-run health and safety clinic for sex workers, are mobilizing harm-reduction efforts. Staff with the clinic are also distributing groceries, masks, and other hygiene supplies, and redoubling their efforts to help find housing for sex workers who need it, said Celestina Pearl, outreach manager for the clinic.

Civic · Laura Wenus, Mel Baker