COYOTE RI March 2024 NEWSLETTER
HAPPY MARCH COYOTE SUPPORTERS
COYOTE RI UPDATES
COYOTE RI, went to Las Vegas (UNLV) to stand in solidarity with the Stop the Raids coalition to challenge, the repeatedly debunked myths that large sporting events increase sex trafficking. Go to//Stoptheraids.org to learn more. STOP THE RAIDS VIDEO
Sex workers and advocates organize to stop trafficking raids around Super Bowl Link
Sex workers push back on Super Bowl trafficking narrative. Advocates for the sex industry want law enforcement to turn the other way at “consensual sex work,” calling for its decriminalization. Link
Sex Workers are Stronger United! Link
It's Time to Retire Super Bowl 'Sex Trafficking' Stings and Myths Link
The following words are shared from a sex worker who experienced detainment and arrest this week due to the stigma, and sensationalism surrounding the lie that trafficking increases around the Super Bowl. Link
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
The Matriarchal Legacy of Cecilia Gentili Link
Thank you @alaskaamberb for covering the trial of #brianstevensmithtrial and for locating Valerie Casler who was living in a tent in the woods in AK when she brought a sim card to the police which had evidence to catch this serial killer and stopped him from murdering more sex workers.Link
Pig-farm serial killer Robert Pickton can apply for day parole on Thursday Link
Erotic Service Providers Legal Education & Research Project Update - February 2024 Link
He was Charged With Human Trafficking for Driving His Wife to Work Link
Violence against sex workers and survivors of trafficking: Submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women Link
AI Versus Age-Verification Laws: AI tools churning out images of fake IDs could help people get around online age-check laws. Link
3rd Woman Says Mike Bickle Groomed and Sexually Abused Her, Beginning at Age 15; This is the church from which the major anti-porn group Exodus Cry sprung Link
Stripe abruptly drops adult wishlist platform WishTender—leaving creators scrambling Link
PROTECT Act Could Require Removal of All Existing Porn Online Link
German Government Now Exporting Anti-Porn Surveillance Tool Link
Washington State Introduces Mandatory Sex Trafficking Prevention Curriculum For Students Link
Want to watch porn in Britain? Get your passport ready Link
Protecting the human rights of sex workers Link
US Justice Department sues over Tennessee law targeting HIV-positive people convicted of sex work Link
Judge Sets Sentencing Dates for Backpage Defendants Link
Shoshana Weissmann: Online Age Verification Rules Are Unconstitutional and Ineffective Link
Florida Legislature Passes Bill Banning Social Media for Kids Under 16, Raising Free Speech Concerns Link
South Dakota Republicans Admit Age Verification is Part of National Campaign Against Online 'Filth' Link
Arizona prosecutor refuses to extradite suspect in NYC hotel slaying, saying Manhattan DA can't be trusted- RIP Denisse Oleas-Arancibia, #Dec17th2024 Link
Woman portrayed as villain in 'Sound of Freedom' sues Tim Ballard Link
Maker of Tinder, Hinge sued over 'addictive' dating apps that put profits over love Link
Crisis Center Receives 500% Increase in Calls Following Nex Benedict’s Death Link
After this week’s Julian Assange court hearing, this is clear: extradition would amount to a death sentence Link
Conservative Group's Plan to Criminalize Porn Is Part of Campaign to End All 'Recreational Sex' Link
States Try To Strip Sex From Literature in Libraries, School Link
"Just three people have been convicted of human trafficking or child sexual exploitation in Ireland, despite more than 1,200 related offences coming before the courts in over a decade." Link
Texas’s AG Ken Paxton Sues Aylo Over Controversial Age Verification Law Link
Texas and Florida Want the Supreme Court To Bless Their Unconstitutional Social Media Laws Link
Shrove Tuesday (Feb 13th) is now celebrated with pancakes and parades, but in 17th-century London, apprentices used the holiday as an excuse to attack sex workers and vandalize brothels. The damage in 1668 was so severe that London’s sex workers petitioned the king’s mistress to help: Some of us are still fighting for our safety. Please consider signing this petition and sharing it with your networks, and help us access immunity when reporting violent crimes. 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. 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 36: Meet Jenna Torres: Worker and Activist Link
Sex workers, former sex workers, and trafficking Survivors who would like to be interviewed please email, <communications@coyoteri.org>
UPCOMING EVENTS
RSVP is required: https://bit.ly/Lobbying2024
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
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
Representative Jennifer Stewart: "I hope we’ll have the courage to finally repeal LEOBOR..." Link
Community Candlelight Vigil for Nex Benedict held in Providence Link
Let’s go back’: McKee sees I-195 Washington Bridge issues dating back to 2018 Link
The way to get it done: North Kingstown School Committee passes an excellent transgender student policy Link
AG Neronha hits Governor McKee on his changes to the rental registry Link
Predatory lending practices continue to target low-income Rhode Islanders. “We're the last state left in New England that allows this,” said Alan Krinsky from EPI. “It's not helping people in need. It's not giving people access to credit, it's giving people access to debt." Link
Google will pay $350M to settle suit brought by RI pension fund Link
Rhode Island seeks to protect doctors and patients with "Health Care Provider Shield Act" Link
Providence Police told an unhoused couple to move their tent - it's unclear why Link
General Assembly introduces important reforms to the Access to Public Records Act Link
Rhode Island rideshare drivers strike on Valentine’s Day Link
Bail on 32: Advocates call on the General Assembly to reform bail in Rhode Island Link
Since voting to unionize, workers at Youth Pride say they are being retaliated against Link
Brockton School Committee members request National Guard aid to quell violence at the high school Link
Johnston Sen. Frank Lombardo dies at 65 Link
RI Poor People’s Campaign delivers demands to General Assembly Leadership Link
Her family pays $2000 a month for a roach-filled apartment Link
Healey administration bars Milton from state grants after defiant housing vote. It’s about more than money. Link
Investigators allegedly found racist writing in the home of a man arrested for burning Black church Link
New bill would protect recreational use of Johnson’s Pond Link
Muslim and Jewish Rhode Islanders tell Rep Magaziner to stop funding genocide Link
Jewish Voice for Peace RI leads anti-war protest outside Senator Reed's Providence offices Link
The Truth Behind RIPTA's Drastic Service Cuts Link
Rhode Island DSA to launch Campaign Against Medical Debt in Providence Link
Supremacist group visits sites in Cumberland Link
A personal plea to legislators to legalize assisted suicide. A week later, she is dead Link
RI sued a landlord over unsafe housing. Months later, the problems haven't been fixed. Link
IN THE NATIONAL NEWS
The States Keeping Their Children Hungry Link
Opinion: Without a Home Link
The East Coast Is Sinking Link
What is Proposition E and Why Should San Francisco Voters Oppose It? Link
An Alabama Couple's Lives Were Upended by an Unconstitutional Police Raid. A Jury Awarded Them $1 Million. Link
This 70-Year-Old Woman Might Lose Her $377,000 Home Over a Small Tax Debt Link
Ex-school officer accused of raping 2 teens in West Richland. One was a former student Link
Georgia Bill Would Hobble Bail Funds Even as It Expands Cash Bail Link
Kids Have First Amendment Rights Too, Federal Judge Reminds State Lawmakers Link
Judge weighs rare contempt order against Troubled Dublin Prison for possible retaliation against inmate Link
TN cop falls into Tennessee River with his cruiser. Submerged, upside down. The dead handcuffed woman was found in the backseat. No cop in the car. Cop was later found drowned also. Sheriff said he was texting & on the radio at the same time when he fell in the water at night Link
DOJ OIG Releases Report on Issues Surrounding Inmate Deaths in Federal Bureau of Prisons Institutions Link
Sarah Silverman's Lawsuit Against OpenAI Is Full of Nonsense Claims Link
Columbus police are investigating after a video seems to show officers blaming an 11-year-old girl for being groomed Link
Biden takes on anti-abortion pregnancy centers before 2024 election Link
Biden considering major new executive actions for migrant crisis: More bad solutions Link
Bob Marley: One Love and the Story Behind the Singer’s Politics Link
Wannabe serial killer Raad Almansoori arrested at Scottsdale Fashion Square Link
Libs of TikTok targeted a district, then a non-binary student was killed on campus Link
Women Speaking Up About Sexual Abuse Behind Bars Face Retaliation in California Link
Face off: Attackers are stealing biometrics to access victims’ bank accounts Link
NYC Child Protection Agency Uses 'Coercive Tactics' To Bully Parents Into Allowing Warrantless Searched Link
The proposed Louisiana bill would eliminate parole opportunities for most convicted in the future Link
‘Little dark secret': DEA agent on trial accused of taking $250K in bribes from Mafia Link
Iowa Court Clears Mom of Endangerment Charges After She Let Kids Babysit 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!
FOLLOW COYOTE RI @