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About Street roots. (Portland, OR) 1998-current | View Entire Issue (July 24, 2009)
10 Street r o o t a lB Education * Dialogue ♦ Independence ESCAPING, from page 9 virtually no services; designed specifically for male sex trade workers. According to Taylor, Canadian sex-Worker advocacy they used their knowledge of the street to groups are using European models of form HUSTLE as a means to support men support, which are far more progressive who are ready to exit, and teach them the than North American models. On this side skills necessary to lead a “regular” life. of the Atlantic, men don’t got the same HUSTLE is on the street three nights a airtime. , week, offering peer support to the men HUSTLE has met.and supported a “good working in Downtown South, known as number” of survival sex workers in the Boys Town. Located in the heart of downtown area, but Taylor doubts they’ve Yaletown, it was the city’s one-time even touched the majority. But at least their warehouse district and a fair ground for name is out there. ; male sex work, but has since been , At least the outreach phone rings. That’s gentrified into the new kingdom of swank a major success, considering that most of apartments and chic lounges—and is no these men have severe trust issues. Taylor longer too tolerant of prostitution. | says he can build their trust because they Taylor says the men are hard to find because most don’t want to be found. A vast see a man who’s lived what they’re living and has come out the other end, alive and majority of male sex workers utilize the well. Internet to find customers, but there are still a number working the streets. Those numbers can’t be quantified because no 'rfi not giving up" comprehensive studies have been done. It’s Tayfor has seen some positive change on taken Taylor and his outreach workers the streets since HUSTLE began in 2007. about a year to establish relationships and There’s now a trustworthy group of build the trust of this group of men, often individuals that the guys can come to—when very young, who feel they’ve fallen by and if they want to. » society’s wayside; HUSTLE recently “Traditionally, launched a support sex Work and the group titled HUSTLE support of sex- "There's been a bit of ‘N’ FLOW at the Three work has been growth in that the guys Bridges Community 'primarily a female Health Center every and the youth are issue,’’.says Taylor. Wednesday. It’s the “There has to be a beginning to feel that first of its kind in J conscious shift in they're not alone, that Vancouver—a drop-in society to even people care and that center designed understand or specifically for the they're not forgotten or even acknowledge men, to target their the fact that men cast-offs or add-ons." needs and begin ate involved in sex — MATTHEW TAYLOR developing the skills FO RM ER SEX W O R K E R A N D work.” -. C O -F O U N D E R O F H U S TLE necessary to exit the City council has trade if and when addressed sex they’re ready. work issues “There’s been a bit of growth in that the through granting programs, and HUSTLE guys and the youth are beginning to feel h a s rec e iv e d so m e of t h a t m o n ey th ro u g h that they're not alone, that people care and | the Vancouver Fund, but according to that they’re not forgotten or cast-offs or former city councilor Kim Capri, “There add-ons. has been no attention from council to the “We’re really just trying to challenge issue of male sex workers.” some of the myths that are out there,” said While Capri says sex work is an “incredible issue,” council hasn’t been sure ; Taylor. “A lot of the male sex trade has just = not been discussed.. The women’s iss«es how to identify it from a policy perspective, and all of that have certainly been taken a. r : Female sex work hasn’t even been officially raised in council, so of course very hard look at and males are just up and coming.” little thought — and indeed, priority — has Hudson meanwhile isdoing well, though been given to the men. he’s hit a few rough patchesalong the way. “It would be really hard for me to say He’s relapsed twice since getting sober— why (that is \” said Capri. “I think that the most recent occasion led to his eviction because there is such a predominance of from an abstinence-based residence. Right violence towards women who are involved now he’s couch surfing, but he has managed in prostitution, maybe that’s why it’s more' to hold down his management job at a , on our radar. There are a lot of women who popular Vancouver restaurant He’s sober. are dying out there, who are being He’s not sure what the future will bring, but victimized. That’s not to say that’s not the he’s hopeful. case for men, it’s just not something that “I could either give up and throw myself I’m as aware of.” a pity party or I could stay healthy, stay off Her attitude and knowledge mirrors that tiie streets and hold on to all those things of the city she once counciled, and indeed I’ve fought for. I’ve learned some hard North America at large, where there are lessons, but I’m not giving up.” PDC is proud to help preserve the historic Hung Far Low sign - a symbol of the rich cultural heritage in Old Town/Chinatown. PDC assisted the project with a Signage and Lighting Improvement Program (SUP) grant. The program provides property owners and tenants w ith funds to upgrade signage and awnings, and improve window and facade lighting. This in turn helps create a positive retail and pedestrian environment in our city. PDC urges citizens to help.restore Portland's iconic sign by purchasing a commemorative HungJar Low t-shirt available at Ping restaurant in Old Town/Chinatown. investing in Portland’s Future PDC P HO TO BY’JANE A PARIS Jane A Paris has been painting for more 15 years. Look for more o f her work at www. redbubble.com, “Expressionist painting is intense, passionate and highly personal, based on the concept o f the painter's canvas as a vehicle for demonstrating emotions,” Paris says, “Violent, unreal color and dramatic brushwork make the typical expressionistic painting quiver with vitality. . 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