Friday: HIPS Benefit

I've posted about HIPS before regarding a happy hour they had a few months back. Their organization assists "female, male, and transgendered individuals engaging in sex work in Washington DC in leading healthy lives." They have a benefit this Friday at the Palace of Wonders that is sure to be a hell of a lot of fun.

From HIPS-
People:
It's almost time for the HIPSxotic Carnivale! This means you'll get to see a boatload of terrific performances to benefit HIPS, Helping Individual Prostitutes Survive. This kickass event is guaranteed fabulousness, and WILL sell out...consider yourself warned!

Here is the flyer. More info below the fold.

THIS FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 16, 8PM
Palace of Wonders
1210 H Street NE
$15

What is HIPS?
HIPS mission is to assist female, male, and transgendered individuals engaging in sex work in Washington, DC in leading healthy lives. Using a harm reduction model, HIPS' programs strive to address the impact that HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, discrimination, poverty, violence and drug use have on the lives of individuals engaging in sex work.

Why should I care?
Um...let's see, because sexworkers are just as important as everyone else, but are routinely judged as less than, or dirty, or terrible people because of how they make a living? And because sexworkers have less access to healthcare and social services and who the fuck knows what else? Or gee, how about because when a sexworker is raped, the police don't care and/or some shitbag judge rules it as a theft of service? (no, really: Check this out)

What can I do?

Show up to the benefit. Donate money to HIPS at HIPS.org. Ponder the radical idea that sexworkers are actually people, just like YOU. Give needed things like office supplies, technical help, warm clothing or unused beauty supplies to HIPS. See you Friday night!