Since the arrest of alleged Craigslist Killer Philip Markoff, erotic service providers, their agencies, pimps, and clients are all going to, as of May 20, 2009 deal with the fact that “business as usual”, means to the erotic service provider and his or her related community, that the erotic service that one provides is not really a bona fide service (like being a party clown, which would be posted in the event gigs section, for example) is not and should not be treated like the business that many an erotic service provider owns, operates and/or manages and does not deserve the same civic engagement that other Craigslist community members are afforded.
The elimination of erotic services ads on Craigslist is most insulting because it is absolutely counter to the mission statement of their non profit, The Craigslist Foundation “is looking at building a platform for civic engagement. Imagine a place to learn, share ideas and connect with like-minded individuals. Whether through localized needs matching or taking the pulse of policy at any level, we want to help inspire and connect people and communities on all levels to become active and engaged.’
“If CL was to be true to their mission, they would be working with as many sex worker outreach organizations that they possibly could, possibly making a donation page to the victims of the recent murders and their families, using the $5.00 fees for the last 7 days to create a donation pool for December 17th “International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers” which was started by Sex Workers Outreach Project in San Francisco the same place that Craigslist was born. But, it’s not likely that this will happen unless at least HALF of all the guys and girls who have ever used Craigslist demanding that more be done to respect and protect our safety than just shut down the erotic section. This does not help our safety, this cripples many of our already economically compromised livelihood. The Erotic service providers section will be shut down and people will think that the problem is solved. So far, I am not very impressed with Craigslist.orgs decisions, and I am not convinced that Craig Numark really cares about violence against sex workers as much as he is covering his ass.” Says Mariko Passion, founder and director of Sex Workers Project-LA.
Craigslist is the internet stroll for many, and those workers will now have to scramble for new sources of revenue. Some will find the few other free to post internet outlets, others will be able to afford the average $125/mo fee that higher end website portals like Eros.com charge, others will have to return to the streets, or to their pimps, or to the pimp agencies that they tried so hard to leave.
SEX WORKERS PROJECT LOS ANGELES can provide at least 3 different sex workers who have used Craigslist and some who have always stayed away from it for your radio or print story on this topic.
MEDIA CONTACT: Mariko Passion at 1-877-776-2004 x 606 and leave a message
Or email
swopla2006@gmail.com