Who We Are

The Boston Sex Workers and Allies Collective (BSWAC) is a volunteer group of sex workers and allies in the Greater Boston area organizing towards sex work decriminalization and other policies which support our wellbeing here in Massachusetts. We formed out of a sex worker support group that we continue to hold monthly.

Over the last year, we have also:

  • Advocated for a repeal of “common nightwalking” (An act to repeal archaic laws) and another bill which aimed to support workers (S.1046 / H.1758), as well as against a “Nordic Model” bill being introduced in MA, including holding a legislative briefing at the State House

  • Passed a resolution supporting S.1046/ H.1758 with Somerville City Council

  • Honored International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers (Dec 17)

  • Began building coalitions with other sex worker organizing groups and local sex worker allies

Our priorities include:

  • Connecting with other sex workers of all kinds to provide support and build community

  • Educating the public about the need for policy change related to sex workers in Massachusetts

  • Raising the visibility of Massachusetts sex workers’ needs and priorities broadly

“People who are profiled by cops as sex workers include, in disproportionate numbers, trans women, women of color, and queer and gender nonconforming youth. This isn't about policing sex. It's about profiling and policing people whose sexuality and gender are considered suspect.”

— Melissa Gira Grant, Playing the Whore: The Work of Sex Work

“Sex workers are the original feminists. Often seen as merely subject to others' whims, in fact, sex workers have shaped and contributed to social movements across the world…. In 1917, 200 prostitutes marched in San Francisco—in what has been called the ‘original Women’s March’—to demand an end to brothel closures.”

— Juno Mac & Molly Smith, Revolting Prostitutes: The Fight for Sex Workers’ Rights

“As laws move down the continuum from more to less prohibitive or restrictive on consensual sex work, workers experience less harm, and there is no strong evidence to indicate negative impacts on crime, health, or safety.”

— ACLU, Is Sex Work Decriminalization The Answer? What The Research Tells Us