Incarceration can be one of the most isolating experiences a person can endure, especially for sex workers and survivors of trafficking. For these individuals, receiving a letter in the mail is more than just a communication—it’s a lifeline, a moment of human connection in an otherwise dehumanizing system. Whether handwritten or sent electronically through secure prison email systems, letters remind people behind bars that they are not forgotten and that someone cares about their humanity and story.

At SWOP Behind Bars, we believe in the power of correspondence to uplift, empower, and advocate for those who have been marginalized and criminalized. If you’re interested in becoming a pen pal to an incarcerated sex worker or survivor of trafficking, here’s how to get started and what to keep in mind.