COVID-19 Sex Worker Harm Reduction Resources (U.S. Based)

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COVID-19 Sex Worker Harm Reduction Resources (U.S. Based)

By COYOTE RI

This document was originally created on March 16th, 2020,  and has been continually updating it, so check back on this link soon for more information! SWers, share freely. If you wish to have a resource added, please contact @coyoteri or email info@ozmweb.com– Media inquires Bella@ozmweb.com 401 525 8757

Summary

  1. Self Care
  2. General Resources
  3. Reproductive & General Health & COVID-19
  4. Working Online
  5. Financial Security
  6. Mental Health & Disability
  7. Full-Service Sex Work
  8. International Resources
  9. For Allies

 Self Care

  1. The Unspoken Complexity of “Self-Care”   [link]
  2. Guide to Abortion Privacy- Digital Defense Fund  [link]
  3. Need an abortion? Depending on where you live, they can offer you different service options. link

General Resources

Note: Coronavirus is no joke. Do what you can to flatten the curve now, rather than weeks or months from now when it’s too late [link]. If you can afford to stop working, do it now. If you can’t, consider transitioning to online work and only do in-person sex work as an absolute last resort (no shame, no stigma, just stay as safe as possible).

COVID-19 Harm Reduction 

If you need help getting tested, here is a state-by-state guide [link]

  1. WASH YOUR HANDS
    1. Use Cetaphil or other fragrance-free lotion to prevent cracks/cuts from forming 
    2. Fragrance-free still matters for people, especially if people are experiencing respiratory issues [link]
    3. If you’re home/houseless, this is often difficult if not impossible–this is on the system and not on you! Don’t shame people if they can’t do so
  2. If you can’t wash, use sanitizer
    1. Consider giving extra hand sanitizer to a person experiencing homelessness 
  3. Try these holistic immunities boosting tips for COVID-19 [link]
  4. UPDATED: the U.S./CDC is now recommending all folks wear a mask to reduce transmission 
    1. Handmade masks free + shipping for sex workers by Chasey Devil [links]
    2. Make your own mask DIY zine [link]
  5. Practice social/physical distancing (less physical contact)
    1. Domestic violence rates go up during times of crisis. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 [link]
  6. Wipe down surfaces that have frequent use but infrequent cleaning (doorknobs, phones, etc.)
  7. If you have mail or have something delivered, wait 72 hours before touching it. In other words, quarantine your packages!
  8. Stay hydrated!
  9. The Risks (an immunologist breaks down COVID risks and what to do) [link]
  10. Read up on the latest updates from the WHO and the CDC
  11. 2020-2021 Flu Season: A Complete Guide to the Flu Vaccine [link
  12. Seasonal Health Guide for 0lder Adults [link[

  13. Every home in the U.S. can soon order 4 free at-home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests will be completely free—there are no shipping costs and you don’t need to enter a credit card number. [link]

 

COVID & Sex Work Specific

  1. Corona-Virus: What Sex Workers (and Everyone Else) Should Be Aware of Now [link]
  2. SWOP USA Sex Worker Health Precautions and COVID-19 [link]
  3. Free Speech Coalition Adult Industry Coronavirus Advisory [link] 
  4. Butterfly Project and Maggie’s Sex Work COVID-19 Guidelines [link]
  5. Strip Club Closures from Racks to Riches [link]
  6. Coronavirus and the Club: Adapting to New Conditions from Rags to Riches [link]

General SW Harm Reduction 

  1. SWOP USA Hotline: 877-776-2004
  2. St. James Infirmary Sex Worker Resources (including Occupational Health and Safety Guide) [link] 
  3. SWOP Chicago’s The Ultimate Guide to Safety, Health, and Well-Being for Sex Workers [link]

Reproductive Health and COVID-19

General questions: 

  1. All Your Horny Little Coronavirus Questions, Answered [link] 
  2. COVID-19 Potential Fallout for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights [link]
  3. Sex, Gender, and Relationships Hotline 415-989-7374 [link]
  4. Coronavirus survey: America’s new health habits [link]
  5. Covid 19 Information Station [link]

Family Planning

*some links use gendered language

  1. Coronavirus and Fertility [link] 
  2. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding [link]
  3. Coronavirus and Pregnancy [link] 
  4. Free Condom At Home Delivery List [link]
  5. Quarantine resources for kids [link] NOTE–I would NOT continue with one on one playdates as this document suggests, but so many other kid-focused resources on this document are really valuable

  6. Federal Program Offers Cash to Cover COVID-19 Funeral Costs [link]

HIV/AIDS

  1. What People with HIV Need to Know About the New Coronavirus [link]
  2. Latest Advice for People Living with HIV [link]

Working Online

Some Basic Online Options

  1. VXPages [link] —HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! VXpages provides an online mentor to set you up. They include building and hosting their websites, live streaming, monthly subscriptions, payment processing, and protecting your content from being stolen all in one package. This is key to sex workers who are new to online work and have to make the change quickly.
  2. Digital Sexwork Platform Information [link]
  3. List of Sexting/Phone Sex/Camming Jobs [link]
  4. FanCentro Preparation for COVID-19 [link]
  5. COVID-19 Changes Hustle by Allyson [link]

SWers Offering Guidance

  1. Eva Sterling @MsEvaSterling [link] –NiteFlirt Assistance
  2. Arabelle Raphael @ArabelleRaphael [link] –Only Fans Starter Videos
  3. Ashley Fenison @thirdeyeash [link] –general online SW advice for people starting out

How-To Guides

  1. Going Digital Video with Melissa Drew [link]
  2. FREE Anti Racism Workshops [link]
  3. Online SW Starter Guide by @J3ssicaStarling [link]
  4. Camming Tips: Do’s and Don’ts and Mistakes to Avoid [link]
  5. Camgirl Toolbox [link] 
  6. Cam Girl Problems on Reddit  [link]
  7. Digital Sex Work Platform Information [link]
  8. The Insanely Large Guide of How To Become a Cam Girl [link]
  9. Maximizing Your Slut Impact: An Overly Analytical Guide to Camgirling [link]
  10. Webcam Startup [link] –guides on starting up camgirls, selling clips, selling homemade porn, selling adult Skype videos, etc.
  11. OnlyFans Starter Guide [link] –NOTE: this is the only paid ($10) guide on here, but it was recommended by Racks to Riches because of its quality and you’d be supporting freakin awesome Black SWer Elexus Jionde
  12. Desperate Times Call for Kinky Measures: How to Make Money as a PSO [link]
  13. Phone Sex University [link] 
  14. Where to Sell Nudes [link]
  15. Make Money Selling Nudes [link]
  16. Future of Sex [link] –is not a how-to guide per say, but has lots of information on digital sex and sexuality, including online sex work and remote sex toys
  17. The Ultimate OnlyFans Guide-How to Make Money on Onlyfans [link]
  18. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER ARREST? link
  19. How to stop smartphone apps from collecting your personal data link

 

SW Friendly Website Hosting Options

  1. Red Umbrella Hosting [link] (SW run)
  2. Red Cloud Hosting [link] (SW run)
  3. Reviews of NSFW-Friendly Web Hosts [link]
  4. List of Adult Web Hosting Providers (focus on specs and prices, not sure about privacy of each one) [link]
  5. How to set up a website/domain as a sex worker [link] NOTE–I would NOT recommend the suggested host websites listed in this article, but other info is useful so I included it. See the hosting websites above or the Online Occupational Safety section below 

Online Occupational Safety

  1. Online Privacy and Security for Sex Workers [link]
  2. Protecting Your Anonymity and Privacy: A How-To for Sex Workers [link]
  3. Removing Location Data from Photos [link]
  4. Teledildonics and Security Risks [link]
  5. An Honest Assessment of Wix and Squarespace as Website Building Tools for Sex Workers [link] (includes Wix and Squarespace harm reduction tips)
  6. PRIVACY WARNING when using Namecheap [link]
  7. List of Platforms Which Discriminate Against Sex Workers [link]
  8. Guide to Hiring Sex Workers and Survivors Link

In Real-Life Hygiene for Online Work

  1. The Best Ways to Clean and Disinfect Your Phone [link]
  2. Sex Toy Hygiene Tips [link]

Financial Security

Payment Options

  1. Sex Worker Approved Payment Options [link]
  2. IndieBill [link] –Adult Friendly PayPal-like service specifically for clips, cams, modeling, and photos

Housing/Unemployment Resources

  1. Check out eviction protections where you live [link]
  2. Stimulus Money and Unemployment Benefits for Self-Employed Babes by Selena the Investor Stripper [link]
  3. Tenant Organizing Toolkit [link]
  4. Coronavirus Rent Relief Fund [link]
  5. Stimulus Package Calculator [link]
  6. How Victims of Domestic Violence Can Afford Transitional Housing [link]
  7. Rate My Landlord [Link]

Emergency Broadband Benefit Program [link]

FREE Government Cell Phone Service [link]

 

U.S. SWer Mutual Aid Funds

*For international mutual aid, see the international section below

National

  1. SWOP Behind Bars [link]
  2. Coyote RI [link]
  3. SWOP Seattle [link]
  4. Mutual Aid Support for Black Trans Women Navigating Sex Work [link]
  5. Lysistrata (U.S.) [link]
  6. Black Sex Worker Collective [link]
  7. Molly House Project COVID-19 Relief Fund for masculine-of-center workers [link]
  8. List of SW COVID Emergency Funds around the world [link]
  9. Freelancers Relief Fund [link]

Regional

  1. AZ: SWEET AZ (Tucson/Pima Arizona) [link]
  2. CA: Sex Worker ER Grant (by BAWS) [link]
  3. CA: SWOP LA Mutual Aid COVID Relief Fund [link] & Resources [link]
  4. CA” COVID SW Relief 2020 [link]
  5. CA Covid19 SW Relief 2020
  6. CO: Colorado Entertainment Coalition [link]
  7. DC: No Justice No Pride [link]
  8. GA: Black Sex Worker Survival Kits [link]
  9. Illinois Alliance for Reentry & Justice 2022 Guidelines link
  10. LA: New Orleans Emergency Fund for Workers/Artists [link]
  11. MA: Whose Corner is It Anyway [link]
  12. Sex Worker Ally Network [MASWAN]
  13. SWOP Boston [Link} 
  14. MD: Baltimore Safe Haven COVID-19 Sex Workers Fund [link]
  15. MI: Detroit Sex Workers Mutual Aid Fund [link]
  16. MN: Twin Cities Queer and Trans Mutual Aid [link]
  17. MO: St. Louis COVID Mutual Aid from SWOP St. Louis [link]
  18. MT: Emergency COVID Relief For Missoula Sex Workers [link]
  19. NV: Las Vegas Sex Worker COVID19 Emergency Relief Fund [link]
  20. NV- The Cupcake Girls [link]
  21. NY: Emergency COVID Relief for SWers in New York (sponsored by SWOP Brooklyn) [link] 
  22. NY: Relief Fund for Black Folks in NY (sponsored by DecrimNY) [link]
  23. OR: Sex Worker Relief Fund (Portland) [link]
  24. OR: PDX Emergency Support for Dancers [link]
  25. PA Philly Sex Worker Relief Fund [link]
  26. RI: Coyote RI [link] [link]
  27. SWOP Seattle mini-grant [link]
  28. TX: Covid-19 Emergency Relief Assistance Application for Sex Workers of Color in Austin [link]
  29. TX: Emergency Covid19 Relief for Sex Workers in Austin by SWOP ATX [link]
  30. VT- We Are Out In The Open [link] donation [link]
  31. WA: Green Light Project Sex Worker Aid Initiative (POC-SWOP- Seattle) [link]
  32. WA: Sex Worker Mini-Grants (SWOP Seattle) [link]
  33. WA  Greenlight Light Project Seattle [link]
  34. Out In The Open Mutual Aid  (Link)
  35. National- Humanity Forward COVID Relief Fund [link]

New York

This app lets you rent umbrellas for free [link]

Southern Tier NY residents-Resources for Food, Shelter, mental health, and substance abuse [link]

FEDERAL

Living with a disability is often associated with significant amounts of extra costs. That’s why individuals and families can now contribute to ABLE accounts — tax-advantaged savings accounts that can fund disability expenses. Learn more here

Rhode Island Resources

  1. RI Service Directory {link}
  2. Lifeline and the new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) link
  3. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): LIHEAP is a federal program that offers financial relief to lower-income households for their heating costs. Applications are accepted across Local Community Action Agencies link
  4. The Good Neighbor Energy Fund: A financial assistance program for households who are unable to meet electricity and heating expenses due to financial difficulty (WE HIGHLY recommend applying to this program if you are ineligible for LIHEAP link
  5. Keep the Heat On A financial assistance for households that are ineligible for state, federal, or private heating assistance.  link
  6. Discount Rates for RI Energy Customers if a household has a recipient of public benefits, you may be eligible for a discounted rate of up to 30% from RI Energy. link
  7. A new eviction defense program will provide free legal services to low-income tenants  [link]RI Street Sheet 2022
  8. Case Managers’ SOAR Portal-  for  chronic or unsheltered homeless [link]
  9. RI Shelter, Food Banks Info & Temp Jobs  [link]
  10. We Share Hope- a food bank- Rumford RI link
  11. Project Hand up West Warwick link
  12. Prescription medication discounts link
  13. Pet Food Pantry [link]
  14. HAUS OF CODEC is a shelter for youths. If you are a youth 18 to 24 years old,  seeking shelter, please complete the waitlist survey link
  15. The new OpenDoors Transitional House will have 14 beds for women recently released from prison or that have criminal records. Anyone interested should call 401-942-STOP
  16. Providence unveils driver’s license restoration program link
  17. A new eviction defense program will provide free legal services to low-income tenants link
  18. COVID-19 Resources, daily updates: CAP agencies and Health Centers [link]
  19. New England Leather Alliance [link]
  20. Federal Program Offers Cash to Cover COVID-19 Funeral Costs link
  21. RI Queer + Trans Mutual Aid  [Instagram link] email qtma.pvd@gmail.com
  22. Safe Harbor Housing RI [link]
  23. RESIST is offering a free resource, with their partner  FreeWill, who can write a will for you.
  24. Rhode Island Pride COVID-19 Emergency Food/Toiletries/Sanitation Supply Drive [link]
  25. COVID 19 Quarantine/Isolation Intake [link]
  26. COVID-19 PVD Area Mutual Aid and Community Assistance & Resource list [link]
  27. COVID-19 PVD Area Mutual Aid and Community Assistance [link]
  28. COVID-19 Community Info Sheet (in Korean) [link]
  29. RI Shelter, Food Banks Info & Temp Jobs  [link] 
  30. HomeSafe – Application Available [link] 
  31. QTMA PVD is a small mutual aid fund for queer and trans folks [link]
  32. Get Naloxone [link]
  33. Department of Labor & Training [link]
  34. RI legal services [link]
  35. Center for Justice [link]
  36. Free Diapers [link]
  37. AMOR Community Resources doc [link]
  38. LUNA Community Care is a cooperative childcare center that serves disabled parents and the families of disabled children by providing wraparound services including case management, crisis support, peer groups, job training, co-working space, and online and in-person care communities (Village Nurture).  [link]
  39. Every home in the U.S. can soon order 4 free at-home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests will be completely free—there are no shipping costs and you don’t need to enter a credit card number. [link]
  40. RI ACLU 101 Advocacy Training [link]
  41. This pamphlet provides info and answers to frequently asked questions about the rights of students and legal guardians as they relate to Truancy Court in RI. link
  42. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the rights of K-12 public school students in RI as they relate to technology and social media. link
  43. RI Paid Sick and Safe Leave Time [link]

  44. Title 42 State Affairs and Government Chapter 164 Address Confidentiality Program [Effective January 1, 2023.] R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-164-2   Apply here 

 

Mental Health and Disability  

General

  1. Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 [link]
  2. COVID-19 Disability Community Resources [link]

Therapy

  1. Pineapple Support [link] –free/subsidized therapy and emotional support for sex workers
  2. SW Friendly Mental Health Support Directory [link]
  3. Sex Worker Health Resources [link]
  4. Jasmine Blue Pearl Therapy (Video sessions available) [link]
  5. Coming soon: “Healing Hustlers” is an online weekly sex worker support group for the sick, disabled, and mentally ill, for and by current and former sex workers and survivors. To request a link to join by emailing <bella@ozmweb.com>. COYOTE also has a support line at 401-525-8757

Harm Reduction Substance Use

  1. COVID-19 Guidance for People Who Use Drugs [link]
  2. Safer Drug Use During the COVID-19 Outbreak [link]
  3. How to Practice Harm Reduction in the Age of COVID-19 [link]
  4. Online AA meetings [link] 

Black Specific Resources

  1. This list of resources [link]
  2. Boris Henson Foundation Free Therapy Support and Black therapist list [link]
  3. Therapy for Black Girls [link] (memberships are currently being sponsored by @mytopicals)
  4. Therapy for Black Men [link]
  5. Melanin and Mental Health [link]
  6. Open Path Collective [link]
  7. Balanced Black Girl [link]

FOOD

Did you know that there is a virtual food bank? The waitlist can sometimes be long but always welcome assistance to those struggling! First, one I am highlighting today is Full Cart! They provide shelf-stable items which make great meals!  Your wait time depends on the location and availability of funding so you can’t rely on it! but it’s a great way to get some food to help. link

Full-Service Sex Work

Transitioning back to FSSW: [link] originally posted by Korinne Kaizer @korinne_mn

Note: Social distancing is definitely what’s recommended at the moment. However, if you ABSOLUTELY must take in-person clients (because capitalism, criminalization, and whorephobia suck):

  1. If you have an underlying condition or are an FSSW aged 55+, you should stop seeing clients ASAP
  2. Avoid kissing and limit saliva/spit sharing
  3. Go for positions that limit face-to-face contact
  4. Screen clients for cold and flu symptoms and recent travel (including travel within the U.S.)
  5. Ask clients if they are high risk- you can be asymptomatic too! 
  6. Do not screen clients based on race/ethnicity
  7. Consider directing clients to other services if you offer them (photos, skype sessions, etc.)
  8. Use cashless/digital transactions whenever possible. Have clients wash hands after exchanging physical money or touching a phone. 
  9. Continue other regular hygiene measures: condom use and dental dam use, monitoring your symptoms, showers, mouthwash, wiping down surfaces, new sheets, etc.
  10. Consider using a site like Afterdarkads [link], which is cutting ad prices in the wake of coronavirus

International Resources

  1. Red Edition (Austria) Migrant Sex Worker Hotline (including emotional support): 436763802731 [link]
  2. SWEAT and Sisonke (South Africa) Hotline: 0800 60 60 60 [link]
  3. Canadian SWer Resources from Butterfly and Maggie’s Toronto [link]
  4. Berlin Collective Action Resources for Sex Workers [link]
  5. List of SW COVID Emergency Funds around the world [link]
  6. International Solidarity Message from Red Umbrella Fund (includes resources and funds nationally and internationally) [link]
  7. Information for Australian SWers from SWOP NSW [link]
  8. Ottawa Independent Companions Emergency Fund [link]
  9. Covid-19 Aid for Hijra community in Bangladesh [link]

For Allies

  1. Pay sex workers directly, through Venmo, Patreon, by subscribing, etc.
  2. PAY FOR YOUR PORN and financially support sex workers’ content
  3. Donate to the organizations/mutual aid funds listed above
  4. Buy something off the Amazon wishlist of an incarcerated SWer [link], or consider becoming a penpal through SWOP Behind Bars
  5. 85 Ways to Be an Ally to Sex Workers by femi Babylon [link]
  6. Check in on the sex workers in your life, especially ones who are disabled, chronically ill, incarcerated, or homeless
  7. Support policies/legislation that are inclusive of sex workers [link], such as described by Sex Workers Alliance Ireland
  8. Call your local LGBTQ organizations, health departments, city halls, etc., and ask what they are doing to support sex workers
  9. Protest/call your Senators and Representatives about the EARN IT Act, a bill to stop end-to-end encryption