COYOTE RI APRIL 2024 NEWSLETTER
HAPPY APRIL 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
Bella has COVID, many things are running a week or so behind schedule.
SEX WORK & FIRST AMENDMENT NEWS
In Alaska, immunity can catch killers: A 2016 state law allows sex workers to report heinous crimes without prosecution. Link
Washington Passes Strippers’ Bill of Rights Link
Sophia Leone’s Death Should Wake Us Up to Violence Against Sex Workers Link
In a move that was celebrated by civil rights groups, the Golden State last year killed a law against loitering with the intent to commit prostitution. But now, some state lawmakers say the change has left police with few tools to help victims of human trafficking. Link
Family say police must answer 'for betrayal' after Iain Packer found guilty of strangling sex worker Emma Caldwell Link
The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe does not understand the realities of the prostitution system: Read our open letter Link
Ads on Instagram and Facebook for a deepfake app undressed a picture of 16-year-old Jenna Ortega Link
US and Europe try to tame surveillance capitalism Link
Dear Government: Stop Trying To Make TikTok Bans Happen Link
FSC Statement on Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Decision in Texas Age Verification Challenge Link
Recognizing the worst in government transparency. Link
Florida Lawmakers Vote To Raise Stripping Age to 21 Link
Indiana Governor Signs Controversial Age Verification Bill Into Law Link
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Partners With Anti-Porn Lobby NCOSE Link
Why Does Anyone Care When Someone They Know Turns Up On OnlyFans? Leave These People Alone Link
Trump-backed Senate candidate faces GOP worries that he could be linked to adult website profile Link
Social media continues to censor women’s health posts as pornography – and it may cause serious harm Link
Searches for ‘VPN’ increase after Pornhub shuts down in Texas Link
Pornhub Pulls Out of Seventh State Link
Age verification to view porn online proposed in Tennessee Link
Missouri Republican Behind FOSTA-SESTA Renews Attack on OnlyFans Link
Idaho Legislature Passes Republican Age Verification Bill With Full Democratic Support Link
Justice Jackson Seems to Be Charting a More Speech-Restriction-Tolerant Approach Link
Washington State Enacts Comprehensive Worker Protections for Strip Club Dancers Link
Judge tosses out X lawsuit against hate-speech researchers, saying Elon Musk tried to punish critics Link
Former sex industry worker challenges employer over claims she was fired due to her past
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. Our closet is almost bare. We need swag bags, deodorant, gloves, and handwarmer, to make outreach packages for February. 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, Lindsey, Sammie, Day, 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 37: Meet Amber In Alaska,. Sex Worker & Activist Link
Sex workers, former sex workers, and trafficking Survivors who would like to be interviewed please email, <communications@coyoteri.org>
UPCOMING EVENT
SAVE THE DATE: The FreeHer March/Rally 2024 will take place on April 24, 2024, in DC. It is the 10th anniversary of the first FreeHer Rally which took place in 2014. The purpose of this national march and rally is to uplift the national FreeHer campaign to end the incarceration of women and girls and shift resources currently spent on women's jails and prisons, to investment in Reimagining Communities and what different looks like for addressing poverty, mental illness, lack of educational resources, and lack of housing. We are marching to encourage President Biden and state governors to exercise their clemency power to release women who are aging, elderly, terminally ill, long-timers, and incarcerated women who are Survived and Punished. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help get 1,000 women to DC for the 2024 FreeHer March & Rally Link
Empowering Justice-Impacted Individuals: 10th Annual Free Her March on Washington Link
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
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
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
RIPTA program offers free bus rides for 2 years Link
Will Providence's Comprehensive Plan institutionalize climate and health injustices? Link
Cranston City Council unanimously passes ordinance against payday loans Link
Three former Stoughton officers passed Sandra Birchmore ‘around like she was a toy,’ lawyer says Link
'That’s my baby': Father of man who died at ACI says his son's complaints fell on deaf ears Link
A bill to protect libraries from book banners spurs debate: I have an objection to elected officials banning books," said Steve Ahlquist. "One hundred percent. As a political system, that's called fascism." Link
Rep Alzate introduces a bill to save RIPTA - will the General Assembly bite? Link
Where exactly does the housing bond intersect with the public developer? Link
As a developer plans to place 58 student housing units in a historically Black neighborhood, residents react Link
Rooming houses were once plentiful and cheap housing. Now, in RI, they're a dying breed. Link
Federal appeals court upholds Rhode Island ban on high capacity magazines Link
Providence commits to carbon-neutrality in all city-owned buildings, including schools, by 2040 Link
Grebien Administration and RIDEM slow to respond to environmental justice concerns Link
Speaker Shekarchi introduces his 2024 Housing legislation package Link
R.I. legislation targets deepfakes in elections Link
As the Foster-Glocester School Committee takes up its transgender student policy, there are warning lights Link
Science and compassion overcome bigotry and ignorance at Healthcare Provider Shield Act hearing Link
Washington Bridge in R.I. must be rebuilt; won’t reopen until 2026 Link
Only 51 affordable and available rental homes for every 100 extremely low-income households in Rhode Island Link
Providence issues cease and desist order to Allens Avenue scrapyard Link
Food, not fads: Making Healthy School Meals for All Permanent is key to Improving Public Education Outcomes Link
As Piemonte Pizza fights against eviction, neighbors rally behind them Link
The Homeless Bill of Rights needs to be updated: My testimony for the House Judiciary Committee Link
Rhode Island is one of the few states that does not have legislation protecting librarians from charges of obscenity Link
Wyatt Guard Discharges Weapon — in Miriam Hospital Bathroom Link
IN THE NATIONAL NEWS
Fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin refuses to give up her seat on a segregated bus Link
Ferguson, Missouri, agrees to pay $4.5 million to settle ‘debtors’ prison’ lawsuit
The preliminary agreement calls for the money to be paid out to more than 15,000 people who were jailed between Feb. 8, 2010, and Dec. 30, 2022, for failing to pay fines, fees and other court costs. Link
The fight over ADUs: Seniors see ‘granny flats’ as one solution to housing crisis Link
In Vermont, a Christian school’s lawsuit is seen as a bellwether in the conservative movement against transgender rights Link
Supreme Court restores Trump to ballot, rejecting state attempts to hold him accountable for attack on Capitol Link
France becomes world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in constitution Link
How Medical Debt Destroys the Lives of Millions of Americans Link
Hackers Behind the Change Healthcare Ransomware Attack Just Received a $22 Million Payment Link
University of Florida Eliminates All D.E.I.-Related Positions Link
Welcome to the 1950s. Senate Majority Leader Sonny Borrelli has a suggestion for women who want a state law guaranteeing access to contraception. Link
Homeowners in these 10 states are seeing the biggest gains in home equity Link
Trump allies prepare to infuse ‘Christian nationalism’ in second administration Link
Latest case of homeless shelter contract fraud in NYC highlights schemes across the nation Link
Homestead correctional guard forced inmate into sex, authorities say Link
Abortion Pill Studies Retracted: Politics or Science? Link
The Republican agenda to install religious chaplains in schools is appalling Link
The FDA-approved over-the-counter birth control becomes available for online purchase today!!! Link
Washington Supreme Court: Bar exam will no longer be required to become attorney in state Link
U.S. prosecutors are looking to wriggle out of an espionage trial for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. 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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