COYOTE RI AUGUST 2024 NEWSLETTER
HAPPY AUGUST COYOTE SUPPORTERS
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COYOTE ANNOUNCEMENTS
RIP Sonya Massey’s and her 4-year-old cousin Terrell Miller, who were both killed by police.
This article below has a link that lists all candidates for office in each state, who signed the Liberty Pledge. Please spread the word. We can't let these people get elected; Who are the candidates that signed the Moms for Liberty Pledge in Rhode Island? Link Hat tip STEVE AHLQUIST
We just got our Proof and author copies. Our launch date will be announced soon
SEX WORK & FIRST AMENDMENT NEWS
Summer Education Series by Community United For Safety and Protection. “Common Lies about Sex Trafficking” Link
15 sex workers provide 'credible' evidence of encounters with suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer: Suffolk sheriff Link
Sex Workers Are an Important Part of the Stonewall Story, But Their Role Has Been Forgotten Link
Lacey's Sentencing Delayed Again Link
Supreme Court Declines to Rule on Tech Platforms’ Free Speech Rights Link
Two of the billionaire backers supposedly "anti-trafficking" campaigns) have had to address allegations about Jeffrey Epstein Link
Social Media Moderation Is Speech, Says Supreme Court Link
Man Arrested for Allegedly Drugging Sex Workers Link
Stripper, Adult Businesses Challenge Florida's Under-21 Ban for Adult Entertainment Workers Link
The Supreme Court will hear an appeal to upend Texas’ age verification law for porn websites Link
Using AI to Fight Trafficking Is Dangerous Link
SCOTUS’s Anti-Immigrant Ruling Imperils Marriage Equality and LGBTQ Lives Link
Judges Block Indiana and Mississippi Age Verification Laws for Porn, Social Media Link
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up a case involving Snapchat, Section 230, and sexual misconduct. Link
The History of Phil Harvey Link
Conviction of Brian Steven Smith Sheds Light on Systemic Issue of Police Neglecting Violence Against Marginalized Women Link
Baby ‘saved from traffickers’ was borrowed by charity for photos Link
How Many Potential Victims in the LISK Investigation? Link
Pornhub Shuts Down Access in Nebraska Over Age Verification Link
Kamala Harris’ Prosecution of Ex-Backpage Owners Argues Against POTUS Candidacy Link
Senate To Vote on Web Censorship Bill Disguised as Kids Safety : The Kids Online Safety Act would have cataclysmic effects on free speech and privacy online. Link
What Does Kamala Harris Actually Want? LINK
Serial Killers, Sex Workers and Justice in Alaska Link
Family of missing Alaska woman believes she may be Brian Smith’s third victim Link
Kamala Harris’ Prosecution of Ex-Backpage Owners Argues Against POTUS Candidacy Link
Ireland, A report funded by the Department of Justice highlighted that 1 in 5 outdoor sex workers have been sexually assaulted by Gardaí but they do not report for fear of further exploitation or not being believed. Link
HIV-Positive Sex Workers No Longer Required To Register As Violent Sex Offenders In Tennessee Link
KOSA Moves Forward in Congress, Threatening Free Speech and Encryption Link
Sex worker organization is calling for responsible media coverage 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
PRESS RELEASE: OPEN LETTER TO THE RI HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE & SPONSORS OF H7165A Link
Alaska's Community United For Safety And Protection 2024 Legislative Check-In: The Bad Bill HB66 Link
We oppose the PROTECT Act Could Require Removal of All Existing Porn Online Link
CAMPAIGNS
Open Letter to Vice President Harris, Candidate for President, from Leaders Impacted by Mass Incarceration and Criminalization Link
To: Adult Media Production Companies & Distributors: End Racism and Wage Discrimination in Porn Link
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
More Campaigns Link
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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
Summary of 2022/2023 Anchorage Police Department Prostitution Records Request 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
THE WORLD IS WATCHING- FREE PALESTINE!
THE COMPANIES MAKING IT EASY TO BUY IN A WEST BANK SETTLEMENT: Real estate firms are touring North American cities marketing homes in Israel — and in illegal West Bank settlements. Link
Columbia’s President Denounced Her Before Congress. Firing Could Be Next. Link
“The Resistance Will Continue,” Hamas Pledges Amid Gaza Ceasefire Talks. Hamas and Israel may make a limited deal on Gaza, but the war for the future of Palestine will intensify Link
The UAW’s federal monitor twice pressured the union to back off its call for Gaza ceasefire, then launched an investigation Link
International Court of Justice: Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands is 'unlawful' and breaches laws concerning apartheid Link
Gaza: Israeli Strike on School Kills 30 Palestinians, Injures Over 100 Link
COYOTE PROGRAM SERVICES
The COYOTE CLOSET provides clothing, hygiene items, and harm reduction supplies for over 200 street-based workers, and poor/houseless people every month. Our closet is almost bare. We need deodorant, lotion and shampoo. 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. Debra Harris is the Outreach & Event Coordinator at Direct Action for Rights & Equality ( DARE). We are thrilled to bring Debra aboard as COYOTE’s new Outreach Coordinator.
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 obtain 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 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 40: Meet Alex Andrews, Sex Worker, Activist, and Program Manager at SWOP Behind Bars Link
Sex workers & Survivors that would like to be interviewed please email, <communications@coyoteri.org>
UPCOMING EVENTS
Rhode Island Atheists is hosting their first-ever Reason Roast. You dont have to be an atheist to attend. I think we can all agree that the separation of Church and State is really important, in the current political climate. Please join us on August 25th, 2024 at 2 PM, at Lincoln Woods State Park. They have reserved sites 23 & 24, which have picnic tables, a grill, and a fire pit. This event is being sponsored by the Military Association of Atheists & Freethinkers (MAAF)! For more information, see the FB event page. Link
COYOTE’s research director Tara Burns is also a member of the “Community United for Safety & Protection” in Alaska. They are hosting a fabulous summer series. Event times are in the Alaska time zone. Folks can join with this link.
Women/Binary Group at DARE, every other Thursday from 4 to 6 PM
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
For more information & the link to join on Thursdays at 7 PM EST click here
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
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
GOOD READS
CHECK OUT “ VEIL AND VOW” BY Professor Aneeka Ayanna Henderson
“This is fascinating reading. Veil and Vow perfectly captures how fairy-tale aspirations of wedlock intersect with the supposed bootstrap mobility of the ‘American Dream,’ undergirding angst about the marriage market in crisis. Henderson’s generative analysis wrestles with a wide variety of fiction and nonfiction texts, media platforms, and popular culture forms. This book makes major interventions in gender, sexuality, and African American studies, as well as the study of contemporary politics and culture.”--Tera W. Hunter | Princeton University
IN THE LOCAL NEWS
Mass. lawmakers to vote to borrow billions for life sciences, advance Everett stadium plan. Robert Kraft, you are worth over 11 BILLION, so you can afford to build your own doll house.
Mayor Smiley announces preparations for hurricane season and extreme weather Link
JVP-RI leads diverse coalition to rally in support of Israel bonds divestment ordinance Link
Steward Health Care spent millions on surveillance of its critics — even amid financial crisis. As health care services suffered, Steward prioritized intelligence-gathering on those who were viewed as opponents, records show. Link
Cumberland, a leader in protecting trans students, resists hate and updates policy Link
'Time to release him': RI Supreme Court rules Mario’s Law applies to its namesake. Link
On June 25, Governor McKey signed an act directing the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to amend its regulations by extending the utility termination moratorium period on electricity, gas, and water from April 15 to May 1 each year Link
Amid buckling shelter system, Healey rolls up the migrant welcome mat Link
ACLU OF RI FILES THREE LAWSUITS ON BEHALF OF FAMILIES OF ACI PRISONERS WHO DIED BY SUICIDE Link
National bird finds its place in RI Link
ACLU SETTLES SUIT ON BEHALF OF PAWTUCKET FIREFIGHTERS AFTER UNLAWFUL SEARCH OF PERSONAL LOCKERS Link
What is Project 2025? Link
Steward Health Care is under federal investigation for potential foreign corruption violations Link
Steward doesn’t own its hospitals’ real estate. So what, exactly, is for sale? It’s a question that hangs over the upcoming auction of Steward’s eight Massachusetts hospitals Link
A Plymouth tribe asked a town board to acknowledge their legacy. Officials asked for their lawyer instead. Link
Who are the candidates that signed the Moms for Liberty Pledge in Rhode Island? Link
Hotel workers announce strike vote at Omni Providence rally Link
Black Lives Matter Rhode Island PAC and PSL host vigil for Sonya Massey Link
As Mass. shelter system shuts them out, migrant families wander Boston streets at night, seeking a place to sleep Link
IN THE NATIONAL NEWS
Supreme Court rules former presidents have broad immunity, dimming chance of a pre-election Trump trial Link
Immunity Ruling Escalates Long Rise of Presidential Power Link
A Tennessee "abortion trafficking" law took effect this week, after a judge denied two motions or temporary restraining orders against it. Hearings for preliminary injunctions against the law will take place later this summer. Link
As Idaho's new library law goes into effect, questions remain Link
DISGUSTING: Legislating Inequality: The Christian Confederate Roots of Project 2025 Link
Why a New Conservative Brain Trust Is Resettling Across America Link
AOC’s Move on Thomas and Alito Has All the Right Historical Echoes Link
Congress OKs bill overhauling oversight of troubled federal Bureau of Prisons Link
Why the New Republican Platform Is Moderate on Abortion Link
Man Accused of Murder, Dismemberment of 14-Year-Old Girl. Was She Killed Because She's Transgender? Link
Microsoft, CrowdStrike outage disrupts travel and business worldwide Link
The Persian Gulf is enduring life-threatening heat indexes above 140 degrees Link
Missouri Supreme Court Clears Release of Woman Who Spent 43 Years in Prison Link
Police office who worked for 4 police departments since 2020 murders Sonya Massey Link
South African Serial Killer Louis van Schoor Who Hunted Black People Claims Police Encouraged Him Link
You’re Going to Kill Me!’: Black Army Veteran Seeking Help with Mental Health Crisis Beaten, Shocked By Texas Cops Until He Took His Last Breath In Back of Patrol Car, Lawsuit Says Link
Farmworkers to march in Healdsburg to demand disaster pay, higher wages Link
Racked by Pain and Enraptured by a Right-Wing Miracle Cure Link
Corporate Bankruptcies Hit A High In June: Is The US Economy Slowing? Link
When drugstores disappear: Why nearly 15,000 Bostonians live in ‘pharmacy deserts’ Link
Justice Dept. settles with ex-FBI officials over leak of anti-Trump texts Link
The incarcerated man's body temp was 107.5 when he died. The state of Texas says heat did not kill him Link
NYC mayor issues emergency order suspending parts of new solitary confinement law Link
U.S. to Establish New Military Command HQ in Japan to Counter China Link
She Underpaid a Property Tax Bill. So the Government Seized Her Home, Sold It—and Kept the $102,636 Profit. Link
U.S. HAS NEVER APOLOGIZED TO SOMALI DRONE STRIKE VICTIMS EVEN WHEN IT ADMITTED TO KILLING CIVILIANS Link
TWU Wins Largest Wage Increase for On-Board Workers in Amtrak History, With Paid Family Leave Link
Supreme Court Rocked by New Leak of Bitter Abortion Split 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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