Statement of Solidarity from Bay Area Workers Support and the Greater Sex Worker Community in the Bay Area
August 23, 2023
Bay Area Workers Support (BAWS) and the sex worker community are heartbroken by the news of the impending closure of the St. James Infirmary (SJI) health clinic. This closure affects not only us regarding SJI's services but also the sense of empowerment and affirmation that came from having a clinic dedicated to supporting and celebrating people in the sex trade. St. James was more than just a clinic; it was a place of acceptance, a community space, and a source of life-changing care.
BAWS proudly partnered with St. James over the years and viewed the organization, founders, and the folks involved as trailblazers. SJI has been a fixture of support within our community. We stand united with the current and former employees and the clients who now find themselves without access to the services they once received. Running a sex worker nonprofit is complex, and we empathize with leadership's difficult decisions over the years. Still, our community deserves transparent communication and understanding as this vital sex worker institution is closing its doors.
St. James' peer-based model was an inspiring example for organizations worldwide. This approach nurtured the autonomy of sex workers, a group that society frequently neglects or attempts to rescue rather than engaging in sincere support and collaboration. Regrettably, we must address that these peer-based essential programs, such as mental health support and medical care, have already been dissolved without warning or reassigning clients to other services. The repercussions of this decision have caused harm to our community members and service providers, and they underscore the necessity for further accountability throughout the closure process.
The care offered by St. James, including STI testing, street outreach, hormone therapies, massage, acupuncture, clothing closet, community meals, vaccine programs, and harm reduction services, was unparalleled. We mourn deeply for this loss, as it threatens the well-being of sex workers and trans individuals who depend on these unique programs. Notably, the current SJI Street Outreach program, the Harm Reduction program, the Tamar Booton Navigation Center, and Our Trans Home services, which hold immense importance in our community, now face an uncertain future.
In light of the closure, we assert three essential demands of support and accountability from the SJI Board and leadership:
Operate with Transparency and Communication: We urge the Board and leadership to embrace transparency and open communication immediately. We seek a comprehensive explanation for the closure of this cherished institution and an end to any practices that suppress current employees from speaking to the media or other stakeholders. A community forum is essential for addressing concerns, voicing needs, and fostering support as SJI closes its doors.
Support the Transition of Programming: While there may be no hope for the continuation of St. James, there is a lifeline for its programs. We implore St. James to be proactive in transitioning its programs to other community organizations that can ensure the same level of dedication and compassion for staff and participants. Placing the burden of our community's needs solely on the shoulders of its members without providing ample support is a negligent course of action. Passing along contacts, making connections for fundraising, introducing other community organizations, and other professional support will be vital for the sex worker community's future.
Address Concerns with Integrity: We acknowledge the issues highlighted by Our Trans Home (OTH) in their recently published Demand For Accountability and Action from SJI. So far, the only public response from SJI has given is to shut down entirely. The OTH staff bravely put their jobs on the line to call out the mistreatment of themselves and the homeless trans community, and the silence they've gotten in return speaks volumes. We urge the SJI Board and leadership to respond honestly and publically to these concerns and take concrete actions to address the issues raised.
The closure of St. James Infirmary is a profound loss, but it is not the end. We stand united, resilient, and resolute in our demand for accountability, transparency, and the continuation of the crucial services that our communities depend on. We hope St. James can honor its legacy by ensuring a dignified and empowering transition for its programs and participants.
In solidarity,
BAWS + The Greater Bay Area Sex Worker Community