In this episode of YAS Podcast, host AM Davies interviews Savannah Sly, a seasoned sex worker and activist affiliated with New Moon. The discussion covers the intricate issues of white supremacy culture, ableism, and the unique challenges faced by marginalized sex workers. Savannah shares her journey into activism, driven by personal experiences with the war on drugs and her immersion into the sex worker advocacy community. The conversation also delves into the historical and current impacts of anti-sex trafficking campaigns fueled by propaganda and moralistic agendas. Savannah highlights the importance of local community organizing, mutual support among sex workers, and the necessity of engaging with various social justice movements to resist fascism effectively. The episode concludes with an overview of New Moon's initiatives, focusing on philanthropic engagement, financial support for sex worker-led organizations, and capacity-building programs aimed at empowering the sex worker rights movement.

00:00 The Urgency of Collective Action

00:33 Welcome to YAS Podcast

01:34 Introducing Today's Guest: Savannah Sly

02:10 Savannah's Journey into Sex Work

03:32 The Impact of the War on Drugs

04:28 Sex Worker Advocacy and Propaganda

05:44 The Rise of Anti-Sex Trafficking Campaigns

06:33 The Role of Feminism in the Sex Work Debate

09:00 Manufactured Hysteria and Its Consequences

12:08 The Growth of the Sex Worker Rights Movement

17:19 Challenges in Advocacy and Activism

19:59 Lessons on White Supremacy Culture

26:16 Coping with Current Global Challenges

27:18 Facing Fear and Privilege

29:06 The Role of Privileged People in Resistance

30:47 Local Engagement and Political Action

32:30 Conversations with Trump Supporters

34:51 Sex Workers' Unique Perspective on Authoritarianism

42:05 New Moon Network's Mission and Work

49:10 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Links

Beyond Strange Bedfellows (article)

Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture

New Moon Network

Savannah Sly Website

YAS Work Instagram

YAS Work BlueSky

YAS Work Twitter

YAS Work Youtube