In Solidarity: WISH 40th Anniversary Fundraiser

Published in WISH’s 2024-25 Annual Report

WISH staff, volunteers, and supporters from across the community came together to celebrate the important work done at WISH Drop-In Centre Society – and to condemn the societal systems that continue to deny the rights of street-based sex workers.

Gathering in person gave us the chance to literally stand in solidarity as we heard from WISH participants, learned about WISH services in discussion with guest Jen St. Denis, enjoyed performances by DJ Kasey Riot, drag artist Kara Juku, musician Tonye Aganaba, and bellydancer Kadisha.

Attendees also heard about the power of community from Steph Sia. Steph is the host/producer of the sex worker podcast Stripped by SIA, she is an active sex worker, a board member of Living in Community and SWAN Vancouver, and so much more.

Steph spoke to the ways sex work has changed with the developments of new technology, especially online, and the associated new forms of discrimination workers can face (like privacy risks, censorship and shadow banning) reminding us how much work is still needed to defend sex workers’ rights.

Here are a few of the powerful words Steph shared:

Sex work, in general, is becoming more commonplace and with that, conversations like these are slowly becoming normalized. Brave souls are bringing sex work issues to the forefront, to city council, training law enforcement and informing policymakers, and escalating cases to the Supreme Court of Canada. The topic of sex work is now even being taught in universities and colleges, shedding light to some of the challenges and experiences that workers face. Folks are waking up to the truth that sex work is a labour issue, a human rights issue, and a feminist issue. It’s exciting to see more and more people striving to protect the health and safety of sex workers. It’s not perfect but it is progress. And this progress would not be possible without the establishment and ongoing support of organizations like WISH.

Thank you so much to our featured guests, performers, event sponsors (The Thirds, Lonsdale Event Rentals, Chewies Smoke & Oyster Bar, Showstream and Flowers by Michael) and everyone who was a part of this special celebration.