Tracy Ryan on "Shaka Talk"

Shaka Talk is a half hour chat show on 'Olelo, Hawaii Community Access TV. Hostess Diar "D.R" Rhea, and various co-hosts, interviews (mostly) local artists and activists. Each episode airs every Thursday night for a month, at 11:59pm Hawaii Time, and is also streamed live at Olelo.org, as well as On Demand, or on Shaka Zine's youtube channel.

Episode #14 featured local activist, Tracy Ryan. She's an advocate for the transgender community, and is head of Arresting Prostitutes in Legal Exploitation, and Harm Reduction Hawaii. Tracy works to help create a better understanding of the lives of sex workers, and seeks more productive, non-punitive, solutions to the issues facing people in the sex trade.

To read Diar's extensive blog about the interview, click here>>> ShakaZine.com. To see Diar & co-hostess Edna Mc Man interview Tracy, just watch the clips below. (The show was cut into 3 parts for youtube).

 Shaka Talk - Tracy Ryan part 1 of 3



Shaka Talk - Tracy Ryan part 2 of 3



Shaka Talk - Tracy Ryan part 3 of 3

Aoki Doki!

My former boss (cartoonist and Manga freak) Deb Aoki posted a tweet about Ho Stage the other day. I'm not sure how she found it, but it's cool that she mentioned us to her friends. My favourite thing about it is the first word: "Huh!" I usually see that word with a question mark attached. This is the first time I've ever seen an exclamation point after it. If you read it right, it sounds like you say it. A pronounced breath? Like a respirated "okay", or "gee", or even "well I'll be darned". Surprised, but not shocked? That's how I took it.

Deb acted suprised, but I wasn't shocked when the owner of Funk Pistol, the store we worked at, fired me over the phone. He said "you know why I'm doing this, don't you?", and I figured it was because we weren't making much money, so I said "yes." Deb seemed not to have expected my firing, but her roomie at the time let it slip that Deb told her before work that day "I gotta go fire somebody tonight."

About a year later, I realized it looked like I was stealing. Not that I wish I was, but I'd rather get in trouble for something I did, than be falsely accused. But I didn't actually get accused, neither. Business wasn't booming at the time I got fired, but I was still airheaded & unfocused as ever. Groups of cute skaters/graff artists/break dancers would come into the store when I was working. I was obviously a big fag, so some of the guys would act as a distraction, while the others would get away with jeans, shirts, shoes, whateva! I must have looked real shady to my co-workers the next day, when there'd be no money in the deposit, but lotsa bare racks & empty hangers. How embarrassing.

I ran into Deb recently one First Friday out in front of Kumu Kahua Theatre. (That's us in the pic above, with writer Gary Chun) They were having an artists' signing featuring about 10 illustrators & comic artists. I'd remembered Deb used to draw, but since I don't read the newspaper, I hadn't realized that she had a regularly featured comic strip in the paper! I dug through her comics, and although I couldn't find any that had to do with sex work, one could be read in a naughty way, if you're feeling tacky. It's a bit of a stretch. But even by itself, it's cute, and very her.

Thanks Deb!

This Is How We Do It

Our friend Mono, from Life Foundation, shows us how to put on a condom.

Life Foundation offers FREE/Anonymous HIV tests, either at their offices, or they can meet you at an agreed upon location. They also offer care referrals for HIV patients, Education & Prevention and other services.

Life Foundation
677 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 226
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Phone: 808-521-2437
TTY: 808-853-3275
Fax: 808-521-1279
Email: mail@lifefoundation.org

Punish Yo'Self!

“It was a time in our lives that has never been matched by anything since.” says MZPRIYA. “It was the perfect storm. A serendipitous place in time and space that connected the most beautiful, sexy, original, kick your fucking ass- people. Goddesses and Gods. Worshiped, feared and admired for exceptional reason."

Wow! The Dungeon Reunion has been in the works for a few months, and as Sunday, November 13th draws near, it's impressive what has happened so far. Earlier there was the almost elitist Dungeon facebook group, which didn't allow anyone who was too young or "new" to remember the mid 1990's fetish/fantasy nights of pleasurable punishment, put on by the friendliest freak in Honolulu - Courtney. He's left Hawaii to pursue and promote other prurient parties, but hasn't participated in the planning that's been going on locally.

After reconnecting during this dusky digital age, old school denizens of the Dungeon, (who may have moved away to the mainland, or faded away from the mainstream party scene our underground has risen to become) not only missed each other, but a place to come together and express their darker, sexier sides to strangers amongst friends. That's when the Dungeon Reunion group appeared on facebook, and welcomed everyone from veterans to virgins on the scene. Soon with a lot of energy and the right amount of attitude, things were set in motion.

Now there's their recently revealed website The Dungeon Reunion, constructed by Nephilim Halls, which was a trial in itself! But not only is the site expansive, it's simple and fun to investigate, with titillatingly torturous treasures, tempting you to attend this long-overdue event.

Welcoming/Warning us that "Where There's a Whip, There's a Way", you enter to find an array of options you wish every club could offer. But as you navigate the tabs, you get the feeling this ain't gonna be no regular Sunday night at SOHO.

Of course, there's the darling Dominatrices, whom people pay to be punished by. To your delectable delight, there will also be Stage Performers including one of my favourites Violetta Beretta, of the Cherry Blossom Cabaret, together with fellow CBC sisters Mabsy & Miss Fortune, in their other troupe The Betties! But also sure to please is the VIP Room Headliner, Indica Torture. To show your appreciation for her presence, you might want to bring her a present. Holed upp, Hang on! The Suspension Crew, will be living upp and giving in to the mulitple meanings of "flesh hookers." And DJs for daze including Old Skool Headliners Romell of Razed IN Black goth glory & Daniel J shedding some Light on "the rebirth of Filth, Pain, Torture & Love."

This naughty nightmare is the dream coming true for a few who have been investing more than just their blood and sweat to bring us to tears. They're aptly referred to as the Backbone of the body to this bawdy debaucherous party.

Producer James S. went from being a spectator to set decorator, helping construct some of the devices of torture that many a slave became attached to, physically and psychosexually. Currently in Kosovo "one of the most Goth destinations in Europe", James sends his love across the world, working behind the scenes (and probbly digging deep in his pockets) to help this night go off, even if someone gets hitched.

One Head Coordinator, Mistress Priya won't only be cracking her whip the hardest in the Dungeon that night, but she's been whipping this whole operation into shape from its inception. As this evening evolves and unfolds, she'll be twisting arms and putting her foot down, to make things happen, and make us all happy. But she's not only doing it for our own good.  She purrs, “I look forward to welting up My old slaves and creating new ones out of you.”

Familiar femme fatale and fellow Head Coordinator, Terry will also be firing upp the festivities, when she performs onstage with Dhyana Aesthetic, from Portland Oregon.

Well-known and -admired piercer, Conor from Rock Star Tatoo, will be on site, showing some sights that will make more than just your eyes sore.

Sensually Yours will likely be a one stop store, for a lot of the doms, slaves, johns, janes, whores & more.

Assisting MZPRIYA for this audacious affair, will be the fierce fairy-like Carrie Wolf.

Nonstop Night Fox Photographer Tracy Chan, will be the one of the official paps to capture the rapture and reeling feelings of the evening.

Like any good Sub/Dom scene, there are rules and etiquette to follow for the Dungeon Reunion. If you don't know how to act, at least no ac' upp, K?! From the Terms & Conditions, a basic admission policy will be enforced (semi-based on what you do or don't wear):

Person or Group May be Denied Entry at Discretion of Club Management and or Dungeon Reunion. If Entry is Denied Prior to Entry to Event, Full Refund will be issued.

Those Attending Must Dress According to Dress Code (Fetish or all Black including but not Limited to Footwear – No Refunds will be Issued for Denial of Entry Due to Dress Code Violations.)

*Black eye masks will be offered at the door, for no charge, to anyone who would like one for anonymity or fashion purposes.

No Unauthorized Photography will be Tolerated. Persons caught filming or photographing inside Soho Mixed Media venue will be Subject to Permanent Removal.

The Dungeon Reunion is a “Play at Your Own Risk” event... You are Responsible and Completely Liable for Self Safety at All Times Regarding The Dungeon Reunion, Before and After.

They also provide tips in regards of what to bring with you, namely not your camera. Only certain people can take pictures. Privacy is paramount. However, partiers waive their rights to their image, if taken by the Official Photographers. Any unauthorized photos will be subject to legal action:

If you like your privacy, bring a mask. By entering the event you forfeit your rights to all the photos with you in them to us via the Official Photographers. However, you can tell them not to take your photo directly. But, you might be in the background somewhere. We strongly support the privacy of the public. We maintain the rights so that we are authorized for the legal take down of photos that are not authorized and/or are on other media; websites, newspapers, facebook, twitter, and etc. We like our privacy too. And we’ll safe guard yours as good as ours.

Plus for locals & visitors alike, they remind us to travel around town wisely, because of Obama's visit to the island from Nov 7th to 14th.

Consider this an open invitation to a night of ropes & flagellation. Skip the masturbation, they welcome participation! Whether a good-looking voyeur, wild woman or mild-mannered, somewhat prim deviant, it's nice to know you're dreams of being defiled won't get shattered, 'cause "This is not a Matt Grimm Event".

So with all this in mind, the next thing you need to find, is if Pre-Sale Tickets are still available online.

The Dungeon Reunion
Sunday, November 13, 2011
at SOHO Mixed Media Bar
80 South Pauahi Street
Honolulu, HI 96813

8pm to 2am
18+ ~ $20 Pre-Sale / $25 Door
21+ ~ $15 Pre-Sale / $20 Door
VIP ~ RSVP only

Event Info & Sales
MzPriya - mzpriyainfo@gmail.com

Don't Quit Your Night Job

from wearethe99percent.tumblr.com

Apartm3nt of Whore-r, Oct 28 at Apartment 3

Friday October 28th for Halloween, Apartment 3 will be hosting a "Sexy Pin-Upp Boudoir" event called "Apartment of Whore-r". I'm not a regular at the club, but the decor is nice without being too fancy. The last time I went, the art on the walls was rather provocative. The DJ's for the party are exciting: relatively new sensations "The Hot Muffins", as well as old skool cutie Byron the Fur. I've inquired about details, so if I hear more, I'll be sure to uppdate...

(hopefully the whore haters stay away)
***********
Uppdate: We got an email from apartmentthree.com. My favourite line from their facebook invite is "Honolulu's sexiest crowd will WHORE-IFY you."

There's a few things the flyer doesn't mention, including:

Kecia Bella will be giving FREE "Pin Upp" makeovers. Then you could get your picture taken by Cheyne Gallarde at the Firebird Photography Photo Booth.

FREE Before 9pm
NO Cover All Night with Dinner or Bottle Service Reservations
call 808.955.9300 or Email hello@apartmentthree.com

One Call Does it All

The Chelsea Boys comic in the October 2011 issue of Odyssey Magazine Hawaii, has a storyline involving calling upp an "escort" from one of the ads in a magazine, similar to the ones in most "fag rags", including Odyssey.

I've never called upp one of them ads, but as in most professional transactions, there's an etiquette to handling the situation. Some of the sites I Googled on such etiquette are from foreign countries, where it's legal to pay for sex, so be cautious and informed of local laws before embarking on your adventure.

Googling "Honolulu Escorts" turned upp a lot of sites, but I haven't called any of them, so I can't give much opinion or info. There's even a @HonoluluEscorts Twitter account, but some of the tweets sound weird:

@honoluluescorts goo.gl/WunL3 New in Honolulu Escorts: Kelly - White Female Brown Escort

I think the "Brown" is referring to her hair colour... Unless she's a scat queen? Please don't call her and tell her I said that. I don't know any of the girls in them tweets, and a lot of them are worded like that.

Anyway, here are a few of the sites I read with tips on how to hire someone, and what to expect:

The now defunct "Mentertainment" Gentleman's mag from the US East Coast, gives some tips I wasn't ready for. Their emphasis on showing an escort your ID just sounds scary. I can understand the need for the escort's safety, but giving a stranger such intimate details sounds unsafe as well. I guess with the internet you could easily screen a prospective date, which is why they suggest it. But since I don't know too many call girls, and am more familiar with casual dating, or street walkers, it's a new concept to me.

"Diary of an Escort" by polyamourous former dominatrix Isabella, says some things that contradict a lot of sites I checked out. One that stood out is from "Ten Tips if You are Hiring an Escort for the First Time". That entry advises, "Do not use your real name, phone number or e-mail to contact her." To me that sounds expected. I myself rarely use my real name with strangers I have sex with, and with the age of the internet, it just seems normal to expect someone to use a fake name. As well-intentioned and well-informed as she seems, Isabella still gives questionable advice in quite a few posts. "Twenty basic things for guys that want to hire an escort should know", says straight upp that it's illegal in most US states; however that's not entirely true. It's legal to pay for someone's company I believe, but exchanging money for sex is illegal. Of course, there's ways around that, and I think that's what she's referring to. Number 9 in her 10 reasons for not being on Facebook was funny: "9. More spam then in the whole state of Hawaii." (sic)

"Personal Companion" Jaimie Ansaloni hasn't uppdated his site in a while, so I'm not sure what's going on with him, but for his site, he adapted some tips from "How to use Escort Services - A Men's Guide" By Marc Perkel. Marc's site is formatted kinda weird, and super long, so get over the gay angle of Jaimie's site, if you want a condensed version. And if Jaimie's site isn't upp, there's a hijacked version on an Australian site.

"Sex work advocate" Erika Jones has a brief run-down of how to hire a girl. It seems to be written out of irritation & frustration, and though you can't hear her tone over the internet, the words she chooses are pretty direct.

Someone named "Leah" who ran an escort service (the site is down, so I'm not sure if they're still operating) wrote a "How to" article, that is helpful. What I found interesting is that, although she runs an agency, she recommends seeking out "independent" girls, since they get to keep all the money they earn on the date.

From everything I've read, these are the basic things I've learned:

1. Know the laws in your area. Sex for money is illegal in Hawaii, and most places in the US, except for some rural counties in Nevada. Careful what you say and how you conduct yourself.

2. Always be prepared to pay the agreed upon amount IN CASH. And usually leave it somewhere easily visible when you meet. Don't haggle or underpay, or otherwise create an awkward situation.

3. Always use condoms. This is for the safety of both parties. If you have a brand preference, supply it yourself, or request your date bring some.

4. If there is a website for your date, familiarize yourself with everything, so as not to waste time or be redundant while making arrangements.

5. Know what you want, but be careful how you say it. Don't talk dirty on the phone, or be indiscreet while planning to meet. Either party could be setting themselves upp for a run-in with the law.

6. Cleanliness, grooming and hygiene are important. Make sure your body and environment are clean. Bathe and shave where appropriate before meeting if possible, and tidy upp the place you plan to "get comfortable" in.

7. Don't feel insecure about your body or other issues. A professional escort should want to make you feel good and enjoy yourself.

8. Always be conscious of the time. Some escorts or agencies have a minimum, others are flexible. But don't go overtime unless you're ready to pay, and even then, your date may already be booked.

9. Cancel as soon as you know you may not go through with the date, no matter what the reason. This is just common courtesy, and saves everyone a lot of hassle.

10. Excuse yourself from the situation if you feel unsafe at any time. As in any aspect of life, not everyone is trustworthy, and if you were engaged in an illegal encounter, reporting it to the police may not be so easy.

The video below is pretty much a joke, and doesn't even mention money. Some of the tips sound well-considered, but the one about spraying air freshener sounds unnecessary ("ooh, papaya!")

Let Us Be Part of the Solution

This video is from Serpent Libertine's youtube channel. It was written by Serpent Libertine, Megan Morgenson, and Ursula OrElse, then edited by Ben Furie.

The video features an array of sex workers and their advocates, speaking about the differences between sex workers, and victims of human trafficking. They are against trafficking, and could teach anti-trafficking people on the best ways to identify trafficked individuals, while respecting the labour rights of all.

"A sex worker is someone who engages in sexual labour in exchange for money or services, who chooses to perform, without coercion or duress.

A victim of sex trafficking is an individual who performs sexual labour under force or threats - to self or loved ones - who does not receive any of the benefits of the fruits of their labour, and are exploited in other ways.

Often the most marginalized in our society, are the ones most at risk for trafficking.

Most sex work does not involve trafficking. It involves consenting adults in consensual business exchanges. Conflation of consensual sex work with sex trafficking, is a disservice to both victims of sex trafficking, and to sex workers.

We as sex workers, allies and advocates are opposed to all forms of sex trafficking.

Many people fighting against sex trafficking, think all sex workers are victims of exploitation and abuse. This is a huge fallacy."

Contrary to the condescending words and actions of people who want to "save all prostitutes", many sex workers are adults who engage in consensual transactions with other adults. We have control over our own lives, and a sense of right and wrong. If we knew someone was in distress or under duress, we would do what we could to help. However, since the illegal status of our means of making a living opens the door for many to exploit or undermine us, many sex workers are afraid to speak upp or act out. This is unfortunate, because these people who are providing a service to members of the community, might occasionally encounter someone who is being forced into the sex trade. Without the threat of arrest or other abuses at the hands of the law, sex workers could be major players in the fight against human trafficking.

"If you are involved in anti-trafficking efforts, you can contact your local sex workers rights organization, and invite them to discuss trafficking issues and policy making.

If there are no sex worker rights organizations in your area, contact
Sex Workers Outreach Project USA, or the Sex Workers Project, to find out how you can include sex workers' input in the fight against trafficking.

Help us find safe avenues to report suspected trafficking, where the person reporting won't be subject to harrassment or arrest....

Sex workers WANT to stop trafficking. Let us be a part of the solution."

You can call Sex Workers Outreach Project at 1-877-776-2004, or visit their website at www.swop-usa.org

You can call the Sex Workers Project at 1-646-602-5617, or visit their website at
www.sexworkersproject.org

In Hawaii, you can call Arresting Prostitutes is Legal Exploitation at 1-808-988-3493, to speak to the Reverend Pam Vessels, or 1-808-534-1846 to speak to Tracy Ryan, or visit their website at www.aplehawaii.org.

"Feminist Ire" Blog Exposes the Damaging Effects of Swedish Anti-John Laws

Just this past Monday, Sept 26, Feminist Ire blog published a well-researched, heavily footnoted piece by Stephanie Lord and Wendy Lyon about the harmful effects of Swedish "anti-john" sex trade laws, imposing heavier penalties on the people who seek out the services of sex-workers. Meanwhile, oddly enough, selling sex remains legal in Sweden.

It seems in Ireland, where Feminist Ire is based, the government is considering adopting the Swedish model, without consulting or considering the needs of the sex-workers themselves. Unfortunately, this results in creating higher risks and dangers for sex-workers. Following are what I consider the two more vital paragraphs from the article:

More importantly, Swedish sex workers have reported significant adverse consequences as a result of the law – including that it has deterred some of the “ordinary” clients who only want regular sex, but has not deterred the dangerous ones. In short, criminalising the purchase of sex in Sweden has meant for Swedish sex workers that the odds of any particular client turning out to be dangerous are much higher. According to the sex workers – as opposed to their self-appointed spokespersons – since the clients are more nervous about being caught, the decision about whether to accept them has to be made much more quickly and without adequate time to assess whether they are dangerous [10]. For them, the loss of “ordinary” clients now means they have to accept clients they would not otherwise accept, including those who demand sex without a condom [11]. By making direct contact between buyer and seller more difficult, the law is also said to have increased the power of intermediaries (or in common language, pimps).[[12]

It has been widely recognised in the HIV/AIDS sector that sex workers who are not able to control their working conditions, most importantly condom negotiation, are at a higher risk of infection. This is the reason why virtually the entire global health sector supports the decriminalisation of sex work and granting sex workers occupational health and safety rights. The World Health Organization[13], UNAIDS[14], the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights[15], the UN Secretary General[16], the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health[17] – all of these have called for the removal of laws criminalising commercial sex between consenting adults, primarily because criminalisation is a recognised risk factor for HIV/AIDS.

Click Here to read the whole article, and when you have time, peruse their extensive bibliography. It seems local abolitionists are pursuing similar laws in Hawaii, to pursue and punish the men, women & transgender people who hire sex-workers. Unfortunately these efforts are counter-productive, and only create more problems for sex workers, and society at large.

Panel Discussion on Prostitution, Tues Oct 4 @ UH Manoa

Legalize It? Solutions to Prostitution Problems in Chinatown
Tuesday, Oct. 4th at 6:00pm
UH William S. Richardson School of Law
Classroom 2
Light Dinner will be Served

Panelists:
Carol Leigh

Known as the “Scarlot Harlot” Carol Leigh has been a sex worker and activist since the late seventies. A poet and performance artist, she coined the term "sex worker" in 1979. Leigh founder of BAYSWAN (Bay Area Sex Worker Advocacy Project) is webmistress of Prostitutes Education Network. As a founding member of ACT UP, she organized a campaign against mandatory HIV testing of prostitutes.

Dolores Mollring

After serving in the Air Force, Dolores Mollring worked at First Hawaiian Bank for thirty-eight years. She has been a member of Oahu’s Downtown Neighborhood Board for the past fifteen years. She has lived in the Chinatown area for forty-three years and has been head of the Chinatown Citizen’s Patrol for the past sixteen years.

Tracy Ryan

Tracy Ryan is the Harm Reduction Hawaii Executive Director. She is an activist interested in protecting the lives and livelihoods of Hawaii’s transsexual people. She has been Chair of the Libertarian Party of Hawaii, a candidate for public office, a member of the Makiki Neighborhood Board, and was the organizer of the 1997 "Prostitutes are People Too" conference. She is a leading voice for A.P.L.E. (Arresting Prostitutes is Legal Exploitation.)

Tom Smyth

Tom Smyth is a retired Marine and an economic development consultant. He has been a member of the Downtown Neighborhood Board since 1995 and has served as Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary during various terms. He has a Masters of Engineering Administration from George Washington University. He has presented seminars on the impacts of sex trafficking and prostitution on the tourism industry.

facebook.com/HawaiiFederalistSociety

Ho Stage Zine #2

Open publication - Free publishing - More 2

Ho Stage Zine #2 finally came out (about 15 years after the first).
In this issue you'll find the following:
~ excerpts from §712-1200 the Hawaii State Law Against Prostitution. 
~ examples of Harm Reduction
~ Poetry by D.R.
~ an interview with Doug Upp
~ Doug Upp's letter to Honolulu Weekly
~ D.R.'s zine reviews
~ contact info for
Waikiki Health Center, Life Foundation, CHOW Project & APLE