Presenting a study on sex work and human trafficking, this workshop examines how the centering of lived perspectives and personal narratives can both humanize data and promote justice in sex worker communities. In particular, this presentation will focus on trans-specific criminalization, policing, and how laws may disproportionately affect these workers and survivors. By presenting how Community-Based Participatory Research theory was operationalized, the presenters offer professionals insight for justice-driven practice. They will begin by providing an outline of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR). This approach emphasizes the leadership and ongoing participation of community members of the researched population to offer breadth of understanding and co-created knowledge. Next, they will provide a brief overview of our project. Interviews with 67 participants, including 14 trans individuals, explored how laws and criminalization may impact trans sex workers and survivors. This project was designed, led, and carried out by individuals with lived experience and seeks to center the narratives that are most affected by discrimination and systemic barriers. The presenters will then demonstrate how similar CBPR projects can provide insights that inform policies, encourage advocacy, and promote efforts focused on justice and self-determination. Finally, they will facilitate discussions with attendees to design and implement projects that center lived experiences and evoke action.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
PLEASE NOTE: This session will only be offered live and will NOT be available to watch as an on-demand recording.
Dr. Jill McCracken is a Professor of English and Women's and Gender Studies at the University of South Florida. Her research focuses on sex work, trafficking in the sex industry, violence against women, and incarceration of women using ethnography and participatory action research methods to inform policy and reduce violence.
Stella Jendrzejewski is a mental health care provider and researcher whose work is dedicated to counteracting stigma and promoting competent, affirming practice with marginalized individuals and communities. Stella’s areas of focus include sex work and trafficking, queer and trans issues, and ameliorating health disparities in marginalized populations.