The issues surrounding both sex work and human trafficking are exceedingly difficult to discuss, and this often results in the conflation of the two. Because of a lack of distinction between the horror of sex trafficking and the consensual exchange of sex work, progress on both ends of the spectrum is halted. On June 2nd, International Whores Day, groups around the country gathered to march. Sex workers, allies, and their loved ones marched in support of each other, and many against the newest legislation to be signed by Donald Trump on this issue.

The legislation, FOSTA-SESTA, eliminates online platforms used by sex workers to advertise and gain clientele. The legislation was passed in an attempt to reduce human trafficking, and hold websites responsible for hosting or facilitating this activity. In doing so, sex workers who used websites such as Backpage or personals on Craigslist lost the ability to work safely from their home, and to vet customers online before meeting them. For many, this means a return to the streets, creating a significantly higher risk of danger. In terms of human trafficking, this censorship means a smaller platform for survivors or people seeking help to tell their stories and be part of a community. Sweeping censorship often works this way, and inaccurate filters can harm a much larger community than they are intended to.

The march on Saturday was widely attended, with some commenting that they’d never seen so many sex workers in one place. The turnout can only be in response to this harmful legislation, which does not help reduce human trafficking, and endangers those practicing consensual sex work. Meanwhile, in New Zealand, sex work is decriminalized. Decriminalization actually makes sex work safer. It allows for extremely transparent advertising, requires the use of condoms, as well as provides sex workers with support from authorities. Decriminalization means a sex worker could call the police to report abuse, without fear of being arrested themselves. By allowing, at the very least, an open dialogue, a step would be taken toward moving sex work above ground and making it safer for those who choose to participate in it. Unfortunately, the FOSTA-SESTA legislation has taken a step in the opposite direction, sending sex workers further underground and further endangering them.

The only exception to this rule in the US is the decriminalization of sex work in Nevada, which is only applicable in brothels, and only in certain counties. In these brothels, the state board of health requires sex workers to undergo monthly testing for STIs, and requires the use of condoms. With multiple examples, it becomes clear that bringing sex work above ground provides more safety and security for workers, and helps to draw a more visible line between consensual sex work and human trafficking.

(Instagram: @allsexworkersgotoheaven)

One of the largest issues in discussing sex trafficking is the sensationalizing or falsification of information. This is easily done and easily excused because it is seen as a way to raise awareness. While raising awareness is a worthy cause, this misdirected concern does not actually help anyone. Creating a safer, above-ground environment for sex workers would not only protect those who choose to participate in consensual sex work, but it would help to draw a clearer distinction between trafficking and sex work, creating more solutions and more dialogue about both issues.