SWOP Chicago

Sex Workers Outreach Project Chicago is a grassroots organization dedicated to direct aid to and advocacy for anyone working in the sex industry.

SWOP Chicago members are current and former sex workers and sex trafficking survivors working together to promote the autonomy and rights of people in the industry.

Currently we are on hiatus. Our projects have lasted for over a decade. However we aim to create more sustainability and better working conditions for our part time staff. During this time, we will be fundraising for 2025. Our programming will be affected but not halted. We will not be accepting physical clothing donations at this time.

What We Do

We address the issues that profoundly affect our work: access to supportive community and health care, violence at the hands of police, clients, and employers, and cultural stigma surrounding the sex industry. We employ a broad range of tactics and strategies, and work closely with other national and international sex workers’ rights organizations.

 

OUTREACH:

We are devoted to the supporting and ensuring the inclusion of all individuals involved in the Chicagoland sex trade. In September 2013, we began conducting street outreach to help meet the immediate needs of street-based workers, directly incorporate the voices of this group in our messaging, and work towards making our activities and advocacy more inclusive of and accessible and relevant to this population.

EDUCATION:

We focus on trauma-informed care principles to create safe and supportive spaces, emphasizing the importance of trust-building, boundary establishment, and the empowerment / autonomy of people in the sex industry. Our program extends beyond individual care, delving into policy advocacy to navigate the legal frameworks affecting sex workers and trafficking survivors. Trainings also addresses drug harm reduction practices tailored to the specific needs of individuals who use.  Our trainings challenge stigmas associated with sex work, advocating for policy changes, and contributing to the prevention of sexual violence.  Our programming includes courses for:

  • Youth Prevention Programming

  • Professional Development

  • Individual Interest

  • Sex Worker Only Know Your Rights

  • Student and University

  • Policy Advocacy

FOR SEX WORKERS:

If you are a sex worker looking for direct aid, support, legal counsel, or housing please contact us above.

We provide at our four plus outreach locations:

  • clothing and make up

  • snacks, water, coffee

  • narcan and safe use supply

  • formula , wet wipes, and diapers

We are able to help sex workers and sex trafficking victims receive resources through some of our partners including:

  • Housing

  • Legal Counsel

Donate to Us:

Currently we are not accepting any physical donations. Please go to our Open Collective Profile to donate instead!

 

What we need:

• bottled water
• condoms
• socks
• underwear
• blankets
• menstrual products
• toiletries
• tents + sleeping bags

• winter jackets
• baby formula
• bus passes
• plan b
• baby wipes
• gently used make up or lingerie
• pregnancy tests