Elders Helps Out in Hooker Crusade

0 Comments | Insight on the News, Jan 3, 2000 | by John Elvin

Former Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders put in an appearance at a fundraiser in Butte, Mont., to help raise money to restore a defunct local brothel, a project of the International Sex Worker Foundation for Art, Culture and Education. Elders didn't let anyone down who might have attended in hopes of hearing her controversial views. "I always tell young people the vows of abstinence break far more easily than a latex condom," she said.

Elders said some prostitutes choose their line of work because they live in poverty and their only other option is to "starve to death." She also said they frequently are "beaten and battered and raped and they go to the police, the police charge them and let the johns get away with it." The Associated Press reported that members of the group, mostly prostitutes, called her characterizations a "myth." Their view is that prostitutes aren't victims of abuse or forced into their jobs. "I chose to be a prostitute because everyone is good at something and ! know what I'm good at," said one of the women in attendance.

The group wants to restore the defunct Dumas Brothel in Butte as its international headquarters and as a museum. It is trying to promote health-care and workplace rights for those in the sex trade, as well as legalization of prostitution. Elders encouraged the professional whores to keep up their crusade and not to shy away from controversy. "It's controversy that gets the press," she advised. "You know I know that."