Soho
Sex workers have been in Soho, central London, for at least 200 years. During that time there has been constant attempts to arrest women and raid and close down the premises where we work. Since the 1980s women in Soho have been part of the ECP’s network and we have spearheaded campaigns against evictions and landgrabs. For example, in 2013, we mobilised against mass police raids which forced the closure of flats where women were working in relative safety. Most were re-opened, and the lie promoted by the police that the raids were aimed at saving victims of trafficking was thoroughly discredited.
Tits and Sass: The week in links
by suzyhookerAn open letter extravaganza began this week when Sinead O’Connor wrote to Miley Cyrus, warning her that the music industry “will prostitute you for all you are worth, and cleverly make you think its[sic] what YOU wanted.. and when you end up in rehab as a result of being prostituted, ‘they’ will be sunning […]
West End Extra: Colourful protest after sex workers are evicted from flats
by WILLIAM McLENNAN SEX workers and Soho residents stood shoulder to shoulder this week in protest over evictions which they say will “put women in danger”. A small crowd wearing colourful masks and waving pink banners descended on the headquarters of Soho Estates on Wednesday morning following the eviction of women from several flats in […]
Independent: Hands off our seedy Soho – Do we really want our London streets ‘cleaned up’?
No one is congratulating the men who pay for sex for their contribution to a local economy, but the issue here is one vice against another – greed versus lust JOY LO DICO Waves of moralism regularly sweep up the river Thames. When the bankers seemed too rich, the Occupy encampment moved in. Oxford Street […]
AFP: Sex workers protest evictions in London’s Soho
London — Sex workers in the legendary London district of Soho demonstrated in carnival masks and negligees on Wednesday against evictions they claim threaten their safety and the unique nature of the area.The small but colourful group held up posters saying “No evictions — safety first” and “I’d rather sell my body than sell my […]
The Guardian: Video – Soho sex workers protest against evictions
Following the eviction of several sex workers from a flat in Soho, London, on Tuesday, the English Collective of Prostitutes protest at the office of the landlords who enforced the eviction. One sex worker and two “maids” explain why they do their work, and how the crackdown in Soho will make their job more dangerous […]
Time Out London: Sex workers evicted in Soho stage protest
Is Soho’s red light reputation dimming?On Tuesday evening, six sex workers at 26 Romilly Street in Soho were evicted from two flats there after the Metropolitan Police closed down the premises. A demonstration to protest the eviction was held today and some of the women involved in the eviction spoke about their future. ‘We will […]
Voice of Russia: Demonstrations over London prostitute evictions
A group of prostitutes have been evicted from their house in London’s Soho district. Protestors gathered in the area – which is known as an unnofficial red-light district – to denounce the evictions. The English Collective of Prostitutes who organised the protest are saying criminal activity still remains to be proven and that this move […]
The Guardian: Sex workers protest against forced evictions in London red light district
Demonstrators gather outside office of one of the main property owners in the area calling for them to stand up to the police. A new crackdown on sex workers in London’s historic red light district risks putting women in danger and changing the character of Soho, sex workers and activists said on Wednesday. Sex workers from […]
Press Release: Sex workers evicted last night
Women at 26 Romilly Street were evicted last night. Demo 11-12 TODAY. See info below. “Don’t put us out on the streets. Save Soho” Soho sex workers and supporters protest against evictions and the destruction of Soho by developers. PROTEST: 11am, Wednesday 9 OctoberOutside Soho Estates, Portland House, 12-13 Greek Street, London, W1D 4DL Women […]