Episode 149: The Truth About Rescue Projects
In this episode of YAS Podcast, host Daisy Ducati, along with co-host AM Davies, engages with guests Elene Lam and Chanelle Gallant to discuss their book ‘Not Your Rescue Project.’ The conversation delves into the problematic aspects of anti-trafficking movements, revealing how these initiatives often harm rather than help sex workers, particularly migrant and racialized workers. Highlighting the intersection of sex work, migration, and racial justice, the discussion uncovers the urgency of addressing the misconceptions behind rescue projects and calls for unified support from the left. The episode also focuses on the organizing efforts of Butterfly, an Asian and migrant sex worker support network, and explores the detrimental impact of criminalization and policing on sex workers. Listeners are encouraged to educate themselves, support migrant sex worker organizations, and challenge the systemic issues within anti-trafficking movements.
Read the full transcript
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts
00:41 Welcome to YAS Podcast
02:13 Meet Our Guests: Elene Lamb and Chanelle
03:17 Discussing ‘Not Your Rescue Project’
05:48 The Intersection of Sex Work and Racial Justice
07:42 Challenges Faced by Migrant Sex Workers
10:39 The Role of Anti-Trafficking Movements
16:15 The Complexity of Migrant Sex Work
21:57 The Anti-Trafficking Industry
26:49 Racism in Human Trafficking Narratives
37:56 State Exploitation and Armed Robbery
38:22 Undercover Officers and Legal Loopholes
38:54 ICE Arrests and Migrant Sex Workers
39:45 The Spectacle of Cruelty in Immigration Enforcement
40:14 Sex Workers and Immigration Enforcement Tactics
40:43 Anti-Trafficking Organizations and Surveillance
43:38 Racial Disparities in Anti-Trafficking Efforts
44:05 The Criminalization of Migrant Sex Workers
49:44 Funding Disparities in Anti-Trafficking Movements
58:55 The Resistance and Organizing of Migrant Sex Workers
01:01:14 How to Support Migrant Sex Workers
01:04:07 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
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