COYOTE RI MAY 2024 NEWSLETTER
HAPPY MAY COYOTE SUPPORTERS
COYOTE RI UPDATES
Rhode Island can do better than this Senate bill that excludes Asian Spa workers Link
Decriminalizing Sex Work: Legal immunity for all Link
The 10th Anniversary FreeHer March and Rally Returns to Washington, D.C. Link
Thousands attend #FreeHer March, and Rally Link
SEX WORK & FIRST AMENDMENT NEWS
QANON WAS BORN OUT OF THE SEX AD MORAL PANIC THAT TOOK DOWN BACKPAGE.COM Link
Anti-Trafficking Review (2024): Special Issue - Armed Conflicts: Migration, Trafficking, and Labour Markets Link
Backpage: A Blueprint for Squelching Speech Link
Defending Pornography on Feminist Grounds: A Q&A With Nadine Strossen Link
Kansas’ new bill could block minors from viewing content about “homosexuality” online Link
Porn Industry Wants Supreme Court to Rule on Texas Age Verification Laws Link
Missing From #MeToo — Sex Workers Link
'Vague and overly broad': Judge strikes down RI's child erotica law as unconstitutional Link
Arizona Governor Strikes Down Age Verification Bill, Says It Violates First Amendment Link
A new podcast chronicles the rise and fall of the alt-weekly Link
KS bill mandates age verification for potentially harmful websites Link
McCarthy says Gaetz ousted him to stop ethics complaint over sex scandal Link
New Privacy Rights Act Exempts Government and Gives More Power to the FTC Link
House votes for possible TikTok ban in the US, but don’t expect the app to go away anytime soon Link
Fighting financial discrimination against sex workers will help us all Link
New research provides the first scientific evidence for the “whorearchy” Link
Fighting financial discrimination against sex workers will help us all Link
Hold Fast: The Unadulterated Story of the World’s Most Scandalous Website Link
TikTok Measure Passed by House Is Unconstitutional in Multiple Ways Link
TikTok Will File Court Challenge to U.S. Divest-or-Ban Law, CEO Says: ‘The Facts and the Constitution Are on Our Side’ Link
Congress Passed a Bill That Could Ban TikTok. Now Comes the Hard Part. Link
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp Signs Age Verification Bill Into Law Link
Age Verification: FSC's Mike Stabile Reports from the Frontlines Link
Judge Acquits Journalist Michael Lacey on 53 of 84 Counts in Backpage Case Link
State Records Committee 'disgusted' by Utah Co. Sheriff's Office withholding Tim Ballard criminal report Link
These States Want You To Show ID To Watch Porn Online Link
Sex workers rally at California Capitol Link
COYOTE’S LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
You can follow the bills that COYOTE RI supports and opposes in 2024, here
Find your local legislator here
Immunity bill for sex workers, survivors & spa workers to report violent crimes. We support H7307 and Oppose H7165 & S2441, please sign the petition here and take the next steps here
Community United for Safety and Protection is fighting several bad bills in Alaska. This one they were able to get amended- HB 264 Child Trafficking Screening Amendments Descriptions
We oppose the PROTECT Act Could Require Removal of All Existing Porn Online Link
We Support Washington State Strippers in passing SB6105 Here is how you can take action. Link, Please sign on to support here
Six California State Assembly members are proposing to reinstate the 'loitering with intent to commit prostitution' (also known as 'walking while trans') law that was repealed by SB 357 only a year ago. Now AB 2034 seeks to make walking down the street a criminal offense again. Go log in to California's state legislation letter portal and tell them No On AB 2034
CAMPAIGNS
Asian Spa Workers Should Be Able to Report Violence Without Arrest - Please sign the Petition- Next steps Link Please sign the petition in support of the RI H7307 & in Opposition of H7165 & S2441 Link and check out our Immunity Tool Kit @ http://bit.ly/3BH5QPC
Petition: Justice for Nex Benedict: Transgender Children Deserve to Live Safe, Full Lives Link
Demand an Independent Investigation Into the Death of Nex Benedict Link
TELL CONGRESS to say NO TO BAD INTERNET BILLS Please sign the petition Link
Another domestic sex trafficking victim who is a minor was charged, while her abusers were not arrested. Please sign the petition link
Please sign the ACLU’s Petition “ MASTERCARD: SEX WORK IS WORK. END YOUR UNJUST POLICY”
Tell the Senate: the Solution to Kids’ Privacy Isn’t More Surveillance. Take action here
Demand politicians vote against this harmful Bill that seeks to criminalize the purchase of sexual services in South Australia Link
Stop Bill S-224: Stop harmful amendments to the human trafficking offense- Please Sign the Petition Link
Tell Congress to stop using TikTok to drive fear and war toward China! Sign the petition Link
Sign the Petition! Federal Prison Sentencing Reform link
Send a Letter: Tell your Congressperson to sign on to the demand for clemency now! #FreeHer
Please sign this petition “Clemency Works RI
Please join us in ensuring eligible voters impacted by incarceration access their right to vote! Petition
Please sign the petition “No Penobscot County Jail Expansion” Link
URGENT CALL TO ACTION: Please sign this petition: Save 3,000 from Unjust Incarceration Link
Please, sign this petition. Tell Congress to fix Supplemental Security Income to fight poverty. Link
RESEARCH
COYOTE is collecting stories to support a bill for immunity for sex workers and sex trafficking survivors reporting violent crimes to police. Surveys are a way that we can bring the voices of criminalized people who would rather remain anonymous to lawmakers. Please participate in this short, 8-question survey. Link
COYOTES Immunity Tool Kit Link
“Prostitution and Prostitution Related Charges in Rhode Island 2000 - Present” link
COYOTE’s “Four Years of FOSTA Survey Report” link
“Policing Modern Day Slavery; Carceral Care in Rhode Island” [link].
ESPLERPS 2023 Report "Californians for Privacy: How the War on Sex Work Is Stripping Your Privacy Rights." Link
The Double-Edged Sword of Health and Safety: COVID-19 and the Policing and Exclusion of Migrant Asian Massage Workers in North America Link
Editorial: Gains and Challenges in the Global Movement for Sex Workers’ Rights Link
Shadow Report Committee on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Optional Protocols July 12th Meeting with the United States State Department. Link
COYOTE PROGRAM SERVICES
The COYOTE CLOSET provides clothing, hygiene items, and harm reduction supplies for over 150 street-based workers, and poor/houseless people every month. Please consider purchasing an item from our Amazon wishlist. Please consider cleaning out your closets and donating your old clothes. (Contact Bella at 401-525-8757 to schedule drop off/ pick up for clothing donations) Thank you.
Thank you, HF for purchasing lots of outreach items and making up swag bags to donate to COYOTE for our weekly outreach. You ROCK! Thank you, Sammie, Lindsey, and the rest of our weekly outreach volunteers.
COYOTEs “Health and Safety Education Specialist, Lindsey Berry facilitates our re-entry empowerment program for the women at the RI ACI every week. COYOTE RI is now providing case management to assist the women in getting copies of their birth certificates and social security cards, which are required to get their state ID. Without a state ID, they can not get a job or apply for SNAP, Medicaid, and other public services. We are also providing the women being released from the RI ACI with a 100 Savers Gift Card for clothing and a 100 Stop & Shop gift card for food and household items. We are also assisting many of them in accessing sober houses & safe housing. #creatingcommunity
“Healing Hustlers” is an online weekly support group for sex workers and survivors.
Sister 2 Sister, is a weekly online support group for Formerly Incarcerated Women to find resources & community by COYOTE RI & Once Incarcerated Anonymous. Thank you LaResse Harvey for facilitating this support group.
COYOTE RI SEX WORKER STORYTELLING PODCAST
Episode 38: Meet Miss Ruby Stone: Activist, Fetish Worker, and more! Link
Sex workers, former sex workers, and trafficking Survivors who would like to be interviewed please email, <communications@coyoteri.org>
UPCOMING EVENT
Happy Mother’s Day,
Did you know that More than half (58%) of all women in prisons are mothers? Many are being held because they can’t afford bail and for non-violent offenses. Most incarcerated women are also the primary caretakers of their children.
International Sex Workers' Day
On June 2nd, 1975, approximately 100 sex workers occupied Saint-Nizier Church in Lyon, France, to express their anger about their criminalized and exploitative living conditions. They hung a banner from the steeple which read ‘Our children do not want their mothers to go to jail’, and launched a media campaign to broadcast their grievances to the world. Their action made national and international news headlines, started a strike that involved sex workers from all over France and created a legacy of activism that is celebrated each year on International Sex Workers’ Day.
COYOTE’s RESOURCE LIST
2023 RI Housing Factbook Link
RI Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Link
What is a “Driving Privilege Card” in Rhode Island and is it Safe? Link
RI ACLU advocacy101 link
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: FAIR CHANCE LICENSING Link
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: BAN THE BOX Link
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: STUDENTS AND TECHNOLOGY via RI ACLU link
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: STUDENTS AND TRUANCY COURT via RI ACLU - link
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER ARREST? Link
Also, see- ACLU Death By Incarceration.
Free Tablets & Phones for Those on Snap or Medicaid Link
Guide to Abortion Privacy- Digital Defense Fund link
Digital Security and Privacy Tips for Those Involved in Abortion Access link
Need an abortion? Depending on where you live, they can offer you different service options. Link
FREE Anti Racism Workshops link
Let's Talk About Self-Harm Link
Credit score Facts vs. myths: 5 Things to Know Link
Anonymous (OIA) in CT OIA Housing Ambassador Program pdf
The Unspoken Complexity of “Self-Care” link
SEX WORKER & LGBT RESOURCES
Mutual Aid for California sex workers- Link
Sex Worker Implementation Tools - SWIT Guideline Link
Empower Today online library Link
Making Incarcerated Sex Workers our Priority: Calls for penpals! Help us write letters to incarcerated sex workers! Penpalling is an easy and effective way to show support and solidarity for sex workers. We are currently providing case management to over 100 incarcerated sex workers. For more information email info@coyoteri.org or apply for a penpal with SWOP Behind Bars Link
Ramona created a video with tips for being a penpal.
Also, see SWOP Behind Bars' new video on “How to get Identification Documents after being Incarcerated”
SWOP Behind Bars Quick Start Guide to Writing Incarcerated People Link
You've Got (Jail) Mail! Link
Midwest Rainbow News, Incarcerated LGBTQ People Link
Also check out our sister organization: Once Incarcerated
Guide to Hiring Sex Workers and Survivors Link
Media Training for Advocacy by Free Speech Coalition Link
Stop The Raids, EFF Cyber Security Training Link
Why Unionize Link
Leadership and Media Training Materials Link
More Resources Link
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Scientists worry government may be repeating COVID mistakes with new virus Link
H5N1 bird flu in U.S. cattle: A wake-up call to action Link
Want to get tested for sexually transmitted infections Online? Link
Health Insurers Have Been Breaking State Laws for Years. States have passed hundreds of laws to protect people from wrongful insurance denials. Yet from emergency services to fertility preservation, insurers still say no. Link
HealthHIV HIV PrEP Navigation Certification (HIVPNC) Program Link
COVID UPDATES Link
CDC Respiratory Virus Updates Link
MONKEYPOX UPDATES Link
POLIO UPDATES Link
REPRODUCTIVE/ABORTION RIGHTS UPDATES Link
PUBLIC HEALTH NEWS (updated monthly) Link
IN THE LOCAL NEWS
3 Rhode Island power players just launched a political nonprofit Link
"Uncommitted" takes nearly 15% of the vote in the Democratic Primary Link
Black-led running group sues BAA, Newton police chief, charging it was racially profiled at Boston Marathon Link
Avedisian tells NBC 10 I-Team to contact his lawyer about hit-and-run accusations Link
The Womxn Project celebrates the Reproductive Privacy Act’s 5th Anniversary Link
Housing justice and labor movements back housing justice legislative package Link
Law firms pocket $3.5 million from Pawtucket soccer stadium deal Link
Providence Streets Coalition holds rally In support of South Water Street Urban Trail Link
TRANSPHOBIC EMPLOYER WORKPLACE SAFETY ALERT: HOW PROVIDENCE SCHOOLS ENDANGERS TRANS EMPLOYEES Link
State lawmakers field bills to empower judges to rethink long sentences Link
A satanic temple in flames: The hunt is on for suspect who threw a pipe bomb in Salem Link
Representative Morgan disrupted the committee hearing of her bill Link
60+ Rhode Island organizations urge General Assembly to reject harmful legislation targeting LGBTQ+ people Link
DEM holds public hearing on compressor station - But don't expect much to happen Link
Disaster Capitalism in Rhode Island Link
AG Neronha on health care, climate change, political power and the Washington Bridge Link
Elmwood Tenant Union members file in District Court Link
An interview with Providence School Board member Ty'Relle Stephens Link
Despite rally and public outcry, Mayor Smiley commits to closing the South Water Street Urban Trail Link
Does Mario's Law apply to its namesake, Mario Monteiro? Arguments begin in Supreme Court. Link
Councilmember Gregor appeals to federal and state agencies to save Morley Field Link
People in here are in agony." Bedbugs and scabies plague assisted living facility in Coventry Link
'Never seen anything like this': Westerly teachers seek audit after file error ruins data Link
Woman dies hours after being committed to ACI Link
Tax deadline extended for some Rhode Islanders Link
As negotiations stall, unionized Youth Pride Inc workers need your support Link
McCarthy Gives Matt Gaetz the News He FEARED MOST Link
Now represented by counsel, the Elmwood Tenant Union goes to court Link
What to know about Mayor Smiley’s new tax-and-spending plan for Providence Link
Advocates press Governor McKee to declare a state of emergency due to unsheltered homelessness Link
Providence City Council passes low-income housing ordinance Link
Providence City Council proposes ordinance to protect bike lanes Link
Massachusetts commits $1 billion to move thousands out of nursing homes in wake of lawsuit settlement Link
Mass. judge rules that state’s method of taking property for unpaid taxes is unconstitutional Link
Victimized by her CNA, a Woonsocket woman's pleas for justice are ignored Link
$500,000 for a parking spot? Inside the world of exclusive parking in Boston. Link
Cranston Councilor Germain’s resignation charges get swift response, call for investigation Link
Brown University officials warn of consequences for protesters who violate school policies Link
Have opinions about new RIPTA bus hub? Here’s where and when to share them. Link
Families sue over impending closure of small, unique Providence high school: The class-action suit claims the district is violating the rights of Spanish-speaking students by ceasing operations at 360 High School at the end of this school year Link
Little progress but high hopes for major projects on East Providence waterfront Link
Cranston City Council seat filled amid charges of blackmail and calls for State Police probe Link
Once considered a ‘can’t-miss’ to be mayor of Providence, councilman resigns in disgrace Link
Why Operation Plunder Dome lives on after 25 years Link
Podcast: ‘I want to tell you what happened in St. Mary’s’ Link
80+ students set up a Gaza Solidarity Encampment at Brown Link
Providence College DEI Director files discrimination charges after resigning Link
Governor-level funds the state's homeless response system - advocates are cautiously optimistic Link
4 RI Prisoner Deaths in 3 Months “Cause for Great Concern” — Groups Call for Investigation Link
RI ACLU Concerns over Police PTSD Disability Benefits (H7464, S2059) Link
A Big Providence Tax Battle Could Be Looming Link
Recovery center owner to plead guilty to federal fraud charge Link
IN THE NATIONAL NEWS
The Supreme Court effectively abolishes the right to mass protest in three US states Link
Louisiana High Court: Priests Have a “Property Right” Not to Be Sued For Sexual Abuse Link
Tennessee bill permitting anti-LGBTQ+ foster and adoptee parents passes House Link
A Texas woman arrested for self-inducing an abortion is now suing the prosecutors for $1 million Link
The Supreme Court will hear a case brought by plaintiffs in Oregon who are contesting a law that criminalizes camping. Link
Parents Investigated for Letting 7-Year-Old Get a Cookie From the Store Link
Touching fentanyl won’t kill you. Why won’t cops and policymakers get the memo Link
Republicans Split on Whether FBI Should Be Able To Snoop Without a Warrant Link
FCI Dublin closing, women transferred elsewhere Link
What Leaving Abortion Up to the States Really Means Link
Anti-Chinese Xenophobia Fueled America's First Drug War Link
Fox News ridiculed after claiming 'libraries turned into drug-infested sex dens' Link
S.T.O.P. is Working to ‘Ban The Scan’ in New York Link
Federal appeals court hearing arguments on nation's first ban on gender-affirming care for minors Link
Court upholds religious challenge of abortion ban Link
Medical experts: Senate bill increasing penalty for fentanyl exposure 'unnecessary' Link
What Does NATO Have to Do with the Genocide in GAZA? Link
How conspiring doctors, questionable tonics, and twisted patriotism led to the 1864 Arizona abortion ban that was just upheld in court. Link
Fatal anomaly exception didn’t spare an Alabama mom who needed an abortion Link
New Privacy Rights Act Exempts Government and Gives More Power to the FTC Link
They Said They Didn't Want War With Iran. Now They're Cheering on War With Iran Link
LEAKED CABLES SHOW WHITE HOUSE OPPOSES PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD Link
LEAKED NYT GAZA MEMO TELLS JOURNALISTS TO AVOID WORDS “GENOCIDE,” “ETHNIC CLEANSING,” AND “OCCUPIED TERRITORY” Link
DEMOCRATS QUESTION U.S. CLAIMS THAT ISRAEL ISN’T VIOLATING INTERNATIONAL LAW USING AMERICAN WEAPONS Link
Emergency rooms refused to treat pregnant women, leaving one to miscarry in a lobby restroom Link
The Manufactured Crisis of Migrant Terrorists at the Border Link
How the FISA Reauthorization Bill Could Force Maintenance Workers and Custodians To Become Government Spies Link
The Supreme Court Will Let Idaho Enforce Its Gender-Affirming Care Ban For All But 2 People Link
US government agrees to $138.7 million settlement over FBI’s botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations Link
Pro-Palestinian Campus Encampments Spread Nationwide Amid Mass Arrests at Columbia, NYU & Yale Link
Alameda County prosecutors allegedly excluded Black people and Jews from death penalty juries Link
Lawsuit identifies officers accused of killing Texas man who yelled, 'I can't breathe' Link
Detention officer seen wrapping chain around inmate's neck Link
Pennsylvania officer arrested on rape charges involving 13-month-old child, police say Link
Texas inmate Melissa Lucio's death sentence should be overturned, judge says Link
Watchdog group asks 5 attorneys general to investigate crisis pregnancy center privacy practices Link
After Iowa Police Ignored Her Pleas for Help, Her Estranged Husband Killed Her Link
A Cruel and Risky Abortion Ban Versus an Overreaching Interpretation of Federal Law Link
Supreme Court seems skeptical of Trump’s claim of absolute immunity but decision’s timing is unclear Link
New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial Link
Advocacy groups say Texas inmates are 'being cooked to death' in state prisons without air conditioning Link
Harris to host Kim Kardashian at White House to highlight Biden pardons Link
Has the Supreme Court gone rogue? Link
Kansas governor vetoes gender-affirming trans youth care ban Link
HRW Finds U.S.-Trained Forces in Burkina Faso “Summarily Executed” 223 People Link
Sanders hits back at Netanyahu: ‘It is not antisemitic to hold you accountable: US senator says Israeli prime minister is using antisemitism to distract attention from ‘extremist and racist government’ policies Link
Women at Troubled East Bay Prison Forced to Relocate Across the Country Link
Mass arrests, officers in riot gear: Pro-Palestinian protesters face police crackdowns Link
I was arrested protesting at Columbia in ’68. Today’s student encampments carry on a proud, brave tradition Link
DeSantis Stunt Actually Helped Some Migrants Get Visas Link
Supreme Court will have 'signed its own death warrant' by ruling in Trump’s favor: analysis Link
Manipulation Politics: Israeli Gaslighting in the United States Link
US Reportedly Working to Stop ICC From Issuing Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu Link
A Humanitarian Voyage Is Hoping to Break Israel’s Blockade Link
It Took Me Months To Get the ADHD Meds the DEA Says Are Overprescribed Link
Here is How You Can Support COYOTE RI! If you’d like to schedule a meeting with COYOTE RI, email <info@coyoteri.org> You can also use the above email if you want to volunteer to get involved with COYOTE RI. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to COYOTE RI with our AB Charities link, or, also consider purchasing an item off our Amazon wish list for outreach supplies. Thank you in advance for your support!
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