FKA Twigs launches GoFundMe for sex workers whose income has been impacted by lockdown

Following the release of her new collaborative track with 645AR, 'Sum Bout U', FKA Twigs has announced details of a campaign to assist sex workers, whose "income has been wiped out by the lockdown".

In an emotional Instagram post, FKA Twigs reflected on how she has been influenced as an artist by "working as a hostess in a gentleman's club" when she was 19 – where she learned her first pole move.

"For those of you who don’t know, hostessing is when one person pays another person for their time, anything from a conversation over dinner to sex work, and the club gets a cut of the fee," she continues. "My lived experience as a very young woman in these environments has not only informed the strong and formidable woman that i am today, but also a lot of my work as a music and visual artist - sometimes even subconsciously.

"I feel like now is the time for me to step forward, pay respect, and shine a light on the challenges facing sex workers, especially during these uncertain times. Sex workers I know and have met have discipline, craft, talent and work ethic - not only do they deserve better long-term, but their income has been wiped out by the lockdown and many are invisible to the financial aid available to others."

FKA Twigs goes on to share a link to a GoFundMe page she has organised, with proceeds going to SWARM, Lysistrata and East London Strippers Collective – noting that these organisations "are challenging public attitudes, tackling stigma, and fighting for rights and protections for sex workers."

The campaign, which aims to reach £30,000, has already raised £14,527. You can support it here.

 

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i was 19 when i learnt my first pole move, i learnt a back hook spin from a stripper when i was working as a hostess in a gentleman’s club. for those of you who don’t know, hostessing is when one person pays another person for their time, anything from a conversation over dinner to sex work, and the club gets a cut of the fee. my lived experience as a very young woman in these environments has not only informed the strong and formidable woman that i am today, but also a lot of my work as a music and visual artist - sometimes even subconsciously. i feel like now is the time for me to step forward, pay respect, and shine a light on the challenges facing sex workers, especially during these uncertain times. sex workers I know and have met have discipline, craft, talent and work ethic - not only do they deserve better long-term, but their income has been wiped out by the lockdown and many are invisible to the financial aid available to others. there’s a bigger journey in challenging public attitudes, tackling stigma, and fighting for rights and protections - but today I’m inviting you to join me in helping with cash donations to SWARM, Lysistrata and ELSC. these organisations are providing direct financial support to strippers and sex workers, we’ve kicked off the the fund with £10,000 and you can donate at https://www.gofundme.com/f/sexworkermutualaidfunds this week, SWARM @swarmhive Lysistrata @lysistratamccf and ELSC @ethicalstripper will also be taking over my social media channels.

Een bericht gedeeld door FKA twigs (@fkatwigs) op 4 Aug 2020 om 8:22 (PDT)