Background

The B.C. Coalition of Experiential Women (BCCEW) was formed out of two regional meetings of women in and from the sex industry in 2002 and 2004. In 2005 we became a consortium of sex worker activists mandated as a mechanism for the voices of experiential women to support the development of legislation and policies; peer driven programs and services; and work toward the elimination of oppressive systems and forces that create harm within the sex industry.

The BCCEW has since become the BC Coalition of Experiential Communities to include members representing sex workers of all gender identities and all locations within our industry and community.

BCCEC is currently project driven and consists of members who have over 80 years combined experience in advocacy, direct service delivery and management, as well as over 160 years experience in all facets of the sex industry. The BCCEC remains grounded in the issues of individuals in and from the sex industry and may serve as a:

• consultative body of perspectives on sex industry issues;
• a host organization for sex industry workshops, events and initiatives;
• research body to increase sex industry community members participation in knowledge development by and for our community.
• support system for self advocating sex industry community members through sharing knowledge and experience working in human rights, labor rights and within government at all levels.
• stakeholder and partner in community safety initiatives.

BCCEC members have been major contributors to sex worker organizations in Vancouver BC, Kamloops, Prince George and Surrey/Whalley, most notably the Mobile Access Project, The Naked Truth ( online resource and adult entertainment social enterprise) New Hope (Prince George drop in program), Living in Community (Vancouver), PACE Society (Vancouver), Surrey Girlz (Surrey/ Whalley), The Canadian Adult Entertainment Commission, West Coast Cooperative of Sex Industry Professionals.

We support diverse perspectives and experiences in the sex industry however we do not support enforcement or rehabilitation models that promote the continued criminalization of the sex industry or perpetuate sex worker dependency on social programs.

Our Mission

The BCCEC is a mechanism for the voices of experiential communities to:

• Our Mission

  – Creating a supportive network for sex worker activists to have opportunities for leadership and action on issues that impact their lives and the well being of their communities;

  – Ensuring the fundamental recognition of human rights for sex workers including their right to dignity, safety, equality and empowerment;

  – Supporting and promoting experiential leadership, the development of essential services and a continuum of services for active sex workers through class advocacy;

  – Working to ensure legislation and policies center sex industry community inclusion;

  – Advocating for the rights of sex industry community members to work free from harm and enjoy the benefits of their labour.