MANCHESTER, NH – Sex worker advocacy groups, ELA-ONE, the New Moon Fund, Ishtar Collective, as well as individual sex work advocates in the New England area have organized  their inaugural New England Sex Work Summit, to be held in Manchester, NH on the weekend of November 19-20th.

Filmmaker and ELA-ONE representative, Angie Rowntree stated, “The New England Sex Work Summit (NESWS) will bring together sex workers and their allies for a weekend of networking, learning, and celebrating.”

“This is a rare opportunity for sex workers and their allies to convene as a community, and to exercise our right to free assembly,” agreed Savannah Sly, Director of New Moon Fund.

Ashley Fires, Director of ELA-ONE, stated: “It is my sincere hope that this first-ever summit will help reveal sex workers and survivors as everyday humans existing as neighbors, voters, tax payers and members of intersectional communities. Now more than ever, we need to foster community as we experience uphill battles against discrimination and challenges to our survival.”

Attendees can choose between two different programming tracks on Saturday: one dedicated to advocacy, and one for self-care. On Sunday, a private community brunch will be hosted in honor of the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Additionally, the summit will pay homage to the late Carol Leigh, who notably first coined the term, “sex worker.”

“This summit is a game changer for our community,” said Henri Bynx from Ishtar Collective. This event is opening so many doors for skill shares, support, and outreach. I think it’s also important to highlight that this convergence demonstrates to the world that sex workers will show up to care for one another in a myriad of big picture spaces. We look out for each other, and can collaborate accordingly.”

All current and former sex workers/survivors are invited to attend free of charge, but we ask that if you plan on attending as an ally or advocate to please donate to the summit, we are grateful for any support. Allies are welcomed to attend all events on Saturday and Sunday, with the exception of the self-care track.

Anyone interested in attending should message @Ela_Erotic or @ishtar_vt on Twitter.