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Dear Friends, Supporters & Allies,
We are happy to reconnect with you after another eventful month. November has brought us more troubling legislation, from the Digital Omnibus threatening everyone’s privacy, to the criminalisation of queer activism in Kazakhstan. As every year, we observed Trans Day of Remembrance and mourned the community members lost because of transphobia.
But, there are also glimmers of hope: ESWA’s BIPOC Academy in Barcelona brought together 30 activists from 9 countries over 4 days packed with learning about the intersection of racial justice and digital rights. (You’ll find a recap in the Digital Rights section!)
We have also now started the hiring process for a new Executive Director. Please share it widely to help us find the right person to lead us through these challenging times.
In solidarity,
ESWA Team
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Welcome our New Operations & Finance Officer!
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I’m Rafailia (she/they), joining ESWA as the Operations & Finance Officer. My background in psychology and grassroots advocacy has shaped my commitment to community-led power, dignity, and justice for sex workers across Europe. I’m honoured to support a movement that fights structural violence and builds safer, more equitable realities.
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By Irena Ferčíková Konečná (she/her), ESWA Policy Officer and Ana Ornelas (she/her), ESWA Policy Officer
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Feminist Futures at the European Parliament
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Policy Officer Ana Ornelas represented ESWA, as invited by the Greens, at the Feminist Futures event at the European Parliament along with feminist organisations from all over Europe to discuss how to combat the rise of fascism. The room was filled with brilliant activists and grassroots organisations, and we talked about how fascism is rooted in colonial structures of power - and the path forward is a feminism that is anti-colonial, anti-racism, and pro-sex work at its core. As researcher Jennifer Kamau put: 'The issue of human trafficking is also a migrant issue. The system that criminalises migrants is the same system that criminalises sex workers. And we need to dismantle it all.'
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ESWA's response to the European Parliament's Resolution on the Gender Equality Strategy (GES) 2026-2030
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Last week, the European Parliament voted on a report that will guide the next EU Gender Equality Strategy.
While the report urges member states to include sex workers in the development of policies that affect their lives, sex workers were once again not consulted in the drafting of this report. Failing to include the key groups discussed leads to contradictory policy, which is clear throughout the report.
Our message is simple: A Gender Equality Strategy that excludes sex workers cannot claim to promote equality. We will continue to push for an EU strategy that protects everyone’s rights, safety, and bodily autonomy without stigma and without discrimination.
Read ESWA's formal answer sent to Members of the European Parliament, and the European Comission by clicking the button.
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By Lisa Philippo (she/her), Programme Officer on Access to Health
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As part of the HIV Prevention Alliance, we launched the call to action to End HIV as a Public Health Threat in Europe by 2030! The projection on the entrance of the European Parliament made it impossible to miss that we are Not On Track to reach this goal in time, which will lead to 80,000 extra HIV infections in Europe over the next 5 years. These could be prevented, but action is needed now!
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CORE digital event: How to Fund Your Local HIV Organisation? Tips from a Community-Based Perspective
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Local HIV organisations face a unique dual challenge: battling stigma and discrimination while navigating severe financial hurdles. This webinar provided concrete fundraising strategies specifically tailored to the realities faced by HIV community-based organisations.
Watch the recorded webinar on funding here.
And make sure to check out the other interesting webinars in this series below:
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By Yigit Aydinalp (he/him), ESWA Interim Executive Director and Ana Ornelas (she/her), Policy Officer
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In the beginning of November, ESWA brought together a brilliant team of activists, among sex workers and a few lucky allies, to discuss the very important intersection of racial justice and digital rights. It was a four day event packed with intense discussions that went in depth into how technology is directly linked to further endangering racialised folks. The sessions were focused on getting to know the digital landscape: the hidden traps and pervasive surveillance, but there was also time to foster community care and remember to be there for each other in tough times. An unforgettable event!
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For a peek into how the the academy was experienced by the participants, you can read Mirage Allen's wonderful blog. Make sure not to miss it!
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Speaking of tough times, on 19 November the European Commission proposed a Digital Omnibus making amendments to a lot of the legislation protecting digital rights in the continent. This is being in the name of 'simplification', but what actually lies underneath is a scary undermining of the protection of privacy, and pandering to Big Tech. ESWA has joined 126 other civil society organisations in an open letter penned by EDRi opposing this harmful move. You can help by spreading the word about it!
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Fighting online discrimination - in style. ESWA has just launched its second deck of tarot cards on sex work and tech! Beautifully designed by artist Ambrose Treavel, we are so proud to bring this resource that focuses on reflecting the resourcefulness of the sex worker community in a tool that turns the convoluted world of Big Tech into actionable change.
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By Yigit Aydinalp (he/him), ESWA Interim Executive Director
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Call For Participants: Research on Sex Work and Deepfake Technologies
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ESWA is studying how deepfakes and AI-generated content are affecting sex workers, from serious risks like image-based abuse to new creative and professional uses of these tools.
Who are we looking for?
Sex workers (18+, Europe or Central Asia) who have either encountered deepfake-related harm or experimented with AI in their work.
Interview length: about 1 hour
Compensation: € 30
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ESWA in Amnesty Research on Abortion Access
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Amnesty International has published a new report on barriers to abortion access in Europe. Part of the report refers to the additional barriers that marginalised and criminalised communities face when seeking quality care for their sexual and reproductive health. The report uses findings from ESWA’s Two Pairs of Gloves Research, and includes an interview with our former Executive Director Sabrina Sanchez.
'In the end, the criminalisation and control of our bodies greatly affect our access to healthcare services in general. As sex workers, we always face this barrier. There are [colleagues] who don’t take the risk and think, well, rather than going to jail, I’ll continue with the pregnancy and figure things out later [...] '
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In this section we share news and initiatives from our members that stood out to us this month. Would you like to be featured in the next Community Spotlight?Message [email protected].
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Archive: The House of Idle Hands
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Working Girls Press has launched The House of Idle Hands, a members-only archive on their website that has behind the scenes looks, exclusive merch, resources and more! It's a one-time payment for lifetime access, if you ever feel called to share it on your social media!
The press aims to continue to publish art and writing by sex workers, a group often underrepresented and misrepresented within the traditional publishing landscape. Through collaborative and collectivist practices and royalty sharing, Working Girls Press has been paving the way for a new era of sex worker-led publishing since 2023.
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TRANS*SEXWORKS Turned 10!
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Let's congratulate TRANS*SEXWORKS for the work they have done this past decade, they turned 10 years this month!
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National Trans Coalition Armenia Turned 4!
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National Trans Coalition Armenia has now been fighting for safety, dignity, and recognition for trans people since four years!
They celebrate with a video that honours every trans person who has stood up, spoken out, and continued to build, even when the world wasn’t ready. NTC invites you to watch, share, and help amplify the video and their voices.
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Screening Creative Media Retreat by Red Insight
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Our member Red Insight invites you to their Creative Media Retreat 2025 short film screening.
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ESWA is looking for our new Executive Director!
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ESWA is looking for a passionate, strategic and collaborative leader to guide our work supporting sex workers’ rights across Europe and Central Asia.
This is a remote position based in Europe or Central Asia, with regular travel required.
We strongly encourage migrant, racialised, women and trans sex workers to apply.
Application deadline: 19 December, 2025
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Looking for Documentary Participants!
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Do you have direct experience with Swedish Model criminalisation? Would you be interested in sharing your experience?
Contact: [email protected]
This project is community-led. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable, and you can remain anonymous.
You can check their Instagram for FAQs!
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Apply now: SCOPE launches 3 exciting opportunities
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EATG’s SCOPE project has just opened three new opportunities to help community members learn, grow and connect across the WHO European region:
- Study Trips – Visit another community organisation, exchange experiences, and build new partnerships.
- Conference Scholarships – Receive up to €2,000 to attend a scientific or policy event and bring new insights back home.
- Translation Grants – Get up to €2,500 to translate key HIV prevention materials into your local language.
Deadline to apply: 3 December
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European GBQMSM* Networking Meeting 2025
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Sex work is firmly on the agenda of this year’s European BGQMS Networking meeting organised by our long standing allies, Aids Action Europe. ESWA’s researcher Stephane Boyer will deliver a presentation about decriminalisation of sex work in Belgium, and its impact on sex workers’ lives. ESWA Communications Officer Wszebor Sienkiewicz will follow up with a session about navigating transitioning, and the transmasculine struggles in sex work and beyond.
The meeting focuses on issues experienced by queer men, but welcomes participants of all genders and backgrounds!
When? 12 December 2025, 10:00-16:00 CET (including breaks)
Where? Online, via zoom
Language: English (automatic subtitles enabled)
*GBQMSM = Gay, Bi, Queer, Men Who Have Sex With Men
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IPPF EN Is hiring an Advocacy and Strategic Communication Intern
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Advocacy internship
IPPF is seeking a proactive, energetic quick learner to become their new advocacy intern. They are looking for an individual to support the effective implementation of the overall IPPF EN advocacy engagement with the European Union (EU) aimed at ensuring a strong focus on gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), in its policies and funding, both for within the EU and in its international cooperation and external action.
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Strategic Communication internship
IPPF is seeking a proactive, energetic quick learner to become their new communications intern. They are looking for an individual to support the effective implementation of IPPF EN’s communications activities with the European Union (EU) and other stakeholders, aimed at promoting gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) through impactful campaigns, social media content and storytelling.
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Both internships are full-time, paid and run from February 2026 to june 2026.
Application deadline: 7 December 2025
IPPF particularly welcomes applications from people who represent communities who face exclusion and/or particular difficulty accessing their sexual and reproductive rights.
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Webinar World AIDS Day 2025 Digital Event
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Who European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
When 1 December 15:30 CET
ECDC published their latest data on HIV/AIDS. Despite progress that allows more people to live longer with HIV, it remains a public health threat. What barriers remain to prevent new HIV infections in Europe, and how do we make sure no one is left behind?
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Webinar: Building a Lifeline for Victims Across Europe – The 116 006 Helpline
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Who: Victim Support Europe
When: 9 December 2025 10:00 – 12:00 CET
Every day, victims face trauma, fear, and uncertainty. The 116 006 Helpline offers a free, confidential, and EU-wide service providing emotional support, information, and practical assistance to all victims of crime. Learn How the 116 006 number works and EU legal requirements and what steps to activate and coordinate the helpline.
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Looking for Survey Participants
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Are you living with HIV in Europe and taking HIV treatment?
The community-led ASK US study wants to hear your thoughts! This study explores the barriers people face in accessing new HIV treatments, so treatment becomes more equitably accessible. They are especially looking for more trans participants, so every voice is represented!
Results will be shared with community groups and activists across Europe to help improve care. Your voice matters!
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Paid Opportunities for TRANS+ Creatives
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QueerAF has paid opportunities for Trans+ creatives!
Writer? Illustrator? Audio producer? This is for you. With @transhistoryweek.comthey're investing in 20 Trans+ creatives to make content for Trans+ History Week 2026.
Deadline: 2 December, 2025
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Apply to the International Trans Fund
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The International Trans Fund has launched the 10th grant cycle of International Trans Fund: a participatory fund shaped by trans activists and donors, dedicated to expanding resources for trans-led organising. Click the button below to learn more.
Application deadline: 1 December, 2025
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Hand picked books, videos, articles and podcasts, recommended by ESWA staff and members. Tell us your recommendations to be featured in the next newsletter!
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Short Film: Sex Work & Relationships - What sex workers want you to know!
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A short movie fully produced by sex workers, where various members of our community share our experiences of loving and dating while doing our job. The movie was concepted and initiated by community organisers Sugar Pa! and Aaron, and edited by ESWA Communications Officer Wszebor Sienkiewicz.
Click on the image below to watch the short film.
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Film: SEX WORK: It's Just a Job
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SEX WORK: It's Just a Job (2025, 56 min), directed by Tami Kashia Gold, takes viewers on a journey of why they entered sex work, their experiences with the criminal justice system, and why they became involved with the Decrim movement. What sets this film apart is its centering of the voices of sex workers themselves - their challenges, successes, and the solidarity they bring to their activism. At the heart of the film are deep questions about policing and human rights in America.
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