In a nation as wealthy as the United States, it’s sobering to confront the persistent issue of poverty. Despite strides in economic growth and social programs, millions of Americans still grapple with the daily challenges of making ends meet. Eradicating poverty isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s an economic and societal necessity for fostering true prosperity and equality. The face of poverty in America is multifaceted. It encompasses individuals and families struggling to afford basic necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. It includes marginalized communities dis ..read more

Anonymous dancer in Seattle area clubs, poses for a portrait at her apartment, Feb. 1, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Thanks to the incredible work of stripper-led advocacy group, Strippers are Workers, a revolutionary Strippers' Bill of Rights has been passed in Washington state. It was signed by Governor Jay Inslee on March 25th and includes the most comprehensive statewide rights and protections in the nation. Strippers' Bill of Rights legislative bill (SB 6105 / HB 2306) includes Legalization of alcohol service in clubs Eliminate back rent practices (indebting dancers ..read more

The Extraordinary Power of Criminal Court Justice Judges in criminal proceedings wield significant authority and often exert considerable influence over the entire process, from inception to conclusion. Whether presiding over initial appearances or issuing sentences, each stage presents an opportunity for shaping subsequent developments. Across federal, state, county, or municipal jurisdictions, the judge remains the pivotal figure determining the fate of an arrested defendant. In the U.S. judicial system, criminal court judges have multifaceted roles. They oversee trials, ensuring order and a ..read more

It's common to move through life assuming that everyone grasps the fundamentals of our monetary system and economy. With frequent mentions of interest rates, property prices, and inflation in the news, one would expect most people to understand basic concepts like capitalism, free markets, competition, and pricing. After all, many base their voting decisions in part on how leaders manage these factors, and we all likely hold opinions on interest rate adjustments. But how deep is our collective understanding, truly? And how does it intersect with the social justice discourse surrounding sex wo ..read more

I was supposed to meet with Cecilia Gentilly on Feb. 6th. I was excited; she was an icon with an “in” on a grant one of our sponsored orgs was seeking. I’d met her once or twice in passing but she was a busy woman - being an icon and all - so this was weeks in the making and when she didn’t show I was deeply discouraged. An hour later, the phone call. Ceyenne Doroshow, the Executive Director of GLITSINC, sobbing: “She’s dead. She missed our meeting because she’s dead”. A flurry of activity. A hoard of grieving masses. The Mother of Whores, the Patron Saint of NYC trans activists, gone in an in ..read more

https://youtu.be/IkOwq7pC_cE ..read more

https://youtu.be/e_NvRnDBWk0Every 4 years the United States holds what seems like a never ending process to elect a President. The discussions around who will run for what is considered the highest office in the land often start as early as the end of the last election and there is an entire economy that services this laborious process. The President often plays a central role in shaping and implementing domestic and foreign policies and much attention is given to the presidential election cycle. Presidential candidates, and candidates for all the other elected offices throughout the country ..read more

What a Democracy is and How it Works (or Doesn’t!) The 2024 election cycle seems to begin to take shape almost as quickly as the last cycle ended. The choices we face in elections can feel like a “lesser of two evils” situation, and oftentimes the entire prospect of sifting through candidates and issues just feels completely overwhelming. With this in mind, SWOP Behind Bars has partnered with ,,Rock The Vote for this coming year. We want to not only encourage you to vote, but to really break down the theory behind the democratic process of voting in the United States and help guide you th ..read more

New Year's Resolutions are personal commitments or goals that individuals set for themselves at the beginning of a new year. These resolutions are typically aimed at self-improvement, lifestyle changes, or the achievement of specific objectives. People often see the start of a new year as an opportunity for a fresh beginning and a chance to make positive changes in their lives. It's important for individuals to set challenging yet attainable goals, considering their personal circumstances, resources, and the time required for sustainable change. Setting realistic expectations can contribute t ..read more

Yeah, it is THAT time of year! You know the one! It's the one where everybody else is taking a break for the Holidays, and you are the only person STILL checking your email when you know for a FACT that you won’t hear back from your political representatives at any level! So while you’re waiting for that grant approval notification email, organizing the upcoming election year advocacy and strategizing every possible opportunity to further the cause of sex worker rights quietly in your own brain so everyone else thinks you are practicing self care, consider these amazing Holiday dishes recomme ..read more