Happy New Year Everyone!
Lets make 2023 great!
Dear Community,
It has been quite an exciting year full of activism and progress toward the full realization of sex worker rights. Just on the horizon: starting January 1st, 2023, California will be enacting SB357. Through the hard-earned effort of sex workers over many years, SB357 will prevent police profiling of women, especially Trans Women of Color, as prostitutes. Police will no longer be able to target sex workers of all genders for what they wear or what neighborhood they are standing in. Global activism persists as strippers in Los Angeles are unionizing and sex workers continue to fight for full decriminalization in Canada and South Africa. Meanwhile, St James Infirmary continues to advocate and provide free quality healthcare and housing services for the most marginalized among our community.
Please consider donating to SJI’s herstoric program, the Taimon Booton Navigation Center (TBNC). TBNC is the first ever Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming shelter to provide services by and for TGNC people and sex workers experiencing homelessness. There is a wishlist of items needed, but as always, donations of $money$ are always appreciated. If donating via check or Venmo (@stjamesinfirmary), please indicate that it is for “TBNC”.
For more information reach out to [email protected]
Upcoming Events
Kit Making Party!
Mutual Aid Hangout <3 Bring Your Friends <3 Be in community
Ho-Ho-Ho! Come make kits with us on Sundays! We are still accepting donations of winter clothes and other wet weather gear. For more info call us at 415-554-8494.
Follow the Harm Reduction Program at St James on Instagram: @hoes4harmredux
Rest In Power
Carol Leigh
AKA Scarlot Harlot
the mother of the sex worker movement. She coined the term "sex worker" to build solidarity and to bring respect to the profession. She was a tireless activist and advocate, our community's archivist, and brilliant artist and writer. She co-led the Sex Worker Film and Art Festival that always brought sex workers near and far to our fabulous city. She loved her mom and loved her many mentees and unrepentant whores of our community. She brought warmth and light everywhere she went while maintaining a fierce fight for decriminalization of prostitution and advocacy for the most marginalized. She will be missed dearly — hug your loved ones as often as you can. Thank you Carol, for supporting St James Infirmary. Thank you for everything you did to further the cause for civil rights for sex workers.
Check out BAYSWAN for her archives and links to her writings and videos http://www.bayswan.org
Community Support Line for Sex Workers Seeks Volunteers
SWOP Behind Bars is seeking volunteers for their Community Support Line especially for people located on the West-coast.
If you are a sex worker in need of support check out the link for online chat functions or
call 1-877-776-2004 ext. 1
artwork by Amanda Priebe
Online Workshop Series Continues
Mindfulness and Meditation with Vadan is every Monday at 12noon
What We Believe
There are many factors which affect the working conditions and experiences for all Sex Workers including the political and economic climate, poverty and homelessness, stigmatization, violence, as well as the overwhelming intricacies of the legal, public and social systems. It is the philosophy of St. James Infirmary to build upon existing skills and strengths in order to allow individuals to determine their own goals.
- We are fundamentally against the criminalizing of Sex Workers—regardless of our different perspectives on decriminalization or legalization, the collective view of the St. James Infirmary is that incarceration of our community further marginalizes and disenfranchised us, which creates barriers to capacity building, and exacerbates a public health crisis.
- We believe in revolution through healthcare. We challenge the conventional healthcare model that divides patients and providers and fosters unhealthy power dynamics. Our peer-based model creates a safe, trusted, and honest environment in which to provide services, and empowers our community to define our own well-being.
- We are founded on the principles of harm reduction—St. James Infirmary supports Sex Workers being treated with dignity and respect, in every aspect of their lives
Our Impact
- We increase access to primary healthcare and social services for Sex Workers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
- We formalize communication and collaboration among individuals and agencies who serve Sex Workers to better serve our community.
- We promote peer-based public health initiatives on behalf of Sex Workers, which may be used as a model for improving occupational health and safety standards and developing comprehensive medical and social services for Sex Workers around the world.
From Our Blog
Clinic is OPEN for 2010
After a restful Holiday break, the clinic is back open for services. We have some fun things planned for 2010, including a sexy Valentines Party fun-raiser. Come back and visit soon for cool updates. Meanwhile, below is a reminder of our current services and hours: Drop-In Needle Distribution & Disposal Tuesdays: 3-6pm Drop-In Tuesdays: 3-6pm […]
Read MoreClosed for Services
In keeping with our tradition, the clinic will be closed for services the last two week of December. This gives the staff a much needed respite to practice personal harm reduction, kindness and self-care. We also use this valuable time to plan for any changes for the New Year. With the exception of needle distribution […]
Read MoreDecember 17th is International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers
Sex Workers Host A Remembrance Gathering & a Solidarity Stroll for the 7th International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers Contact: Kimberlee Cline Phone: 877-776-2004 ext. 2 Email: press(at)swopusa(dot)org This December 17th marks the 7th annual International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. Events are being planned in over two dozen countries and […]
Read MoreClosed for Services
In keeping with our tradition, the clinic will be closed for services the last two week of December. This gives the staff a much needed respite to practice personal harm reduction, kindness and self-care. We also use this valuable time to plan for any changes for the New Year. With the exception of needle distribution […]
Read MoreHoliday Party!!! Thursday, December 10th @6pm
Join the clinic staff and community for our annual Holiday Diner Party at the clinic. We will have a fun filled evening with food, spirit-free drinks and small gifts for the New Year. Location: 1372 Mission Street @10th When: Thursday, December 10, 2009 6:00pm-8:00pm
Read MoreNewly Published Article From the SWEAT Study
The St. James Infirmary is pleased to announce a newly published article by the SWEAT Study. The Sex Work Environmental Assessment Team (SWEAT Study) was a collaborative study between the University of California San Francisco and the St. James Infirmary. This study sought to examine the working conditions and sexual health risks of female sex […]
Read MoreWorld AIDS Day with UNAIDS in DC
This year, our Executive Director, Naomi Akers will be presenting on issues specific to sex workers in the U.S., the St. James Infirmary model and removing barriers to HIV prevention and treatment. The theme of the event is HIV, Human Rights, Universal Access and Marginalized Populations. This event will also be broadcast on a live […]
Read MoreSJI IS HOSTING THE EAGLE BEER BUST THIS SUNDAY (Nov. 22)!!
Come out and help support St. James Infirmary this Sunday at the Eagle Tavern’s Sunday Beer Bust! $10 gets you all the beer you can drink from 3-6pm plus food! Bring your friends, enjoy the huge outdoor patio & all the hot men, men, MEN!!! Eagle Tavern 398 12th St. San Francisco, Ca 94103 SUNDAY […]
Read MoreHouse of Garza Presents: Action!
ACTION! A Cocktail Party hosted by GARZA with special guests and local artists. Benefiting St. James Infirmary @ CAFE FLORE 2298 Market Street in the Castro. SATURDAY NOVEMBER 14th, 9 to 11 pm Come show your support, learn about HIV research and the HIV vaccine trials and have some fun!
Read More