We Sell our Time, not Sex

Hi all,

I have been following the debate in the Senate over c36 with considerable interest over the past couple of days. Again, I have been shocked by how sexist and cisnormative this govt has been, particularly as regards the sex trade.

Let us no look no further than our fair neighbours to the south for legislating women's sexuality and bodies (mostly done by white, privileged, cis men). The fact that in the States, prostitution is all but illegal does not make it less prevalent. Nor, I imagine, it if were made legal here in Canada tomorrow, would there be a bunch of sex tourists saying, "I would like to go to Canada because...sex." It is the oldest hustle around and available anywhere.

It is high time that the benighted and confused Harper government admitted that (perhaps, for those of a Conservative ilk, it is God's plan, God working in incredibly evasive ways) not all women are cut out to be the good girl. That is a female-actor trope, she does not exist, and anyone who thinks she actually does is kidding themselves. I realize I'm preaching to the converted on this site, but please spread the good news - sex is a human need. No matter who you are, money, sex and food are three of your most primal urges.

I do hope Terri-Jean Bedford delivers names. Peter MacKay has created a whole population of folk devils - "perverts" - many of which of his colleagues probably are. The people in power need to be made aware of the opinions of Canadians on the ground, because they live in a world which is increasingly separated from reality. This is why Ms Bedford is important - she is the face of the retaliatory, proud, independent sex worker who will not take this law lying down. We sell our companionship, our beauty, our intimacy. We do not sell sex.

I fear that, if this law does pass and we do not fight, SPs no matter their gender or orientation could end up feeling like the girl in the picture - a anachronistic work of art amidst the ruins of a life. Please, friends and clients, do not let this happen. Let's speak truth to power.

Olivia