In the effort to combat actual trafficking, we are all new to learning the best ways to meet each other at a shared point of understanding to work together.
Without YOUR voice working with us OUR voice simply is not heard. Without OUR voice YOUR efforts are not authentic justice.
Misinformation about trafficking spreads quickly because data collection methods are inconsistent and not completely accurate. Polaris, the nonprofit organization that operates the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, has reported over twenty-two thousand cases since 2007. However, it mines its data solely from calls, emails, and web submissions. Most reports come from “community members” — not victims, their families, or caseworkers. “The Work in Sex Work” Hennessy Williams JACOBINMAG
In its 2015 Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights, the State Department affirmed the 2010 United Nations Recommendation #86, stating, “We agree that no one should face violence or discrimination in access to public services based on sexual orientation or their status as a person in prostitution,” and we call upon the States to do likewise. There are numerous instances of state laws and regulations that still discriminate against our community (ESPLER Project Policy Agenda).
“Leave safety behind. Put your body on the line. Stand before the people you fear and speak your mind — even if your voice shakes. When you least expect it, someone may actually listen to what you have to say…” – Maggie Kuhn, Activist.
2016 – 2021 Goals Achieved:
- Community and allies came together annually for D/17 where we shared in acknowledging victims of sex work-specific violence and murder. See: http://www.dec17philly.com for archive.
- Challenged the stigma that perpetuates barriers and prevents access to necessary support and medical services.
- Created lasting victim inclusive conversations to bridge divides and collaborate towards community-focused solutions.
- Connected with compassionate, concerned, and courageous congressional representatives, policy professionals, legal advocates; plus engaged with creative and educational outreach projects supporting worker and survivor inclusion.
- Worked towards cultivating more mindful and effective inner community relationships. Sex workers and trade survivors often sabotage each other as much as the external barriers faced.
Moving beyond the original goals set:
- Since 2016 M. has been working with SWOP Behind Bars. (SBBi)
- Since 2020 she has been cultivating case management, collecting victim narratives by direct requests, plus collaborating on program and training development for clinicians and support professionals.
So – Why? Why do I do this?
Absolutely I want to change the world. My world. Maybe your world. Originally – back in 2003 when I completed my BA senior study – I wanted to contribute dialogue to “right the wrongs” I witnessed and experienced as a migrant worker.
Wait! What? Yes. In 2014 at the Anchorage, Alaska International Day To End Violence Against Sex Workers in alliance with Community United for Safety & Protection (CUSP) and The ESPLER Project, I chose to publicly “Come Out Under The Red Umbrella”. Since then I have been participating in the public discourse on survival sex, sex work, and sex trafficking. Prior, however, in private academic and law enforcement circles, I had already been speaking on this topic for well over twenty years. Sx work and street-based economy are not new discussions, though maybe to mainstream media and viewer.
Welcome! My name is M. Dante. I am federally defined as a former victim of U.S. domestic minor sex trafficking, a trade survivor. Also known as a consensual adult worker, and now as a community liaison.
In the effort to combat actual trafficking, we are all new to learning the best ways to meet each other at a shared point of understanding to work together.
Without YOUR voice working with us OUR voice – as survivors – simply is not heard. Without OUR voice YOUR efforts are not authentic.
Impacted by laws and legislation include us in policy process even when our narratives differ from your expectation.
Our voice is here for you to hear.
In our own words and narratives as best as we can share. We are learning with each opportunity to do so.
Crossroads Women’s Center Philadelphia with USPros Rachel West visiting from SF.
Photo: David Block for December 17th #IDTEVASW #RedSandProject #sexworkersagainstsextrafficking
Above: D/17 Click Save Photography
Below: Sunbeam Photo by M Dante
“The way to right WRONGS is to shine the light of TRUTH upon them.”
– Ida B. Wells, African American Journalist
Worker Survivor Community Archive 
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