SAN FRANCISCO—St. James Infirmary, co-founded by world-renowned prostitute Margo St. James (photo), will be hosting a community forum for all sex performers and sex workers on Dec. 16 to discuss the recent legal difficulties that have been facing the Adult Industry Medical (AIM) Healthcare Foundation's testing program and the increased enforcement by Cal\OSHA of its condom mandate—Treasure Island Media was recently issued citations by the agency for its bareback productions—as well as the "next steps to promoting a rights-based approach for porn performers."
The forum will take place at the St. James Infirmary offices, 1372 Mission St. (cross street: 10th) in San Francisco from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
St. James Infirmary provided this background on the need for the forum:
"The California Occupational Health and Safety board have been reviewing studio practices based on complaints made to them, some from performers, some anonymous. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation in Los Angeles has been lobbying hard with limited input from people who work in the industry. In June of 2010 AIM applied for a community clinic license and on December 9th they received a cease and desist order after that application was denied [sic]. We’re concerned that performers are being under- and mis-represented in these discussions and that it is critical for a diverse range of workers to come together to establish a unified voice to advocate for a rights-based approach to regulation. Of course, our ultimate goal is for all performers to be as healthy and prosperous as possible! Please join us and share how you think these issues can best be approached. Please spread this message far and wide."
St. James Infirmary currently provides several services to the Bay area's adult sex worker community, including "rapid HIV testing" using the antibody tests which have proven unworkable in the adult movie performing community, HIV/AIDS/STD counseling, peer counseling, "holistic services" and a needle exchange program for addicts.
Infirmary workers were well represented at the last Cal\OSHA committee meeting on adult industry health issues in Oakland.
Those who would like more information, or to RSVP their attendance, can contact Infirmary staff at [email protected]
The Infirmary encourages all adult performers to attend in person, but if that's not possible, statements regarding the issues to be discussed can be emailed to the above address, or may be left as a phone message by calling (415) 554-9633.
