Sex Worker Profiles-Robyn Few

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By far one of the most inspiring people I met at Desiree was SWOP-USA co-founder and longtime sex worker activist Robyn Few. I had heard about Robyn from many people who had met her over the years, but none of the stories could really have prepared me for meeting the her face-to-face. She's a petite little woman, but with a big, fiercely magnetic personality that just draws people to her. Even the police on Belmont Avenue were taken with her absolute passion for speaking up on behalf of all sex workers and one of my favorite moments of the whole weekend was watching her and Ren chatting with the cops in front of the hotel on Belmont about prostitution.

I wish every sex worker that feels insecure about her work, self-esteem, or place in the world could meet Robyn. She's a proud whore and wants us all to be proud...and open...about what we do. She's faced the absolute worst repercussions in her line of work (watch interview) and yet still devotes all her time and energy to fighting for the rights of prostitutes, despite having been brought down by the federal government. Instead of throwing in the towel, she got active. SWOP exists because of her.

Robyn's been fighting lymphoma since late spring and even postponed her chemo to attend the conference, but never did I hear one gripe, complaint, or negative word out of her mouth the entire weekend. I admire her strength, her message, her tenacity, and most of all...her.

Thanks Robyn.