Kerry and I just signed the contract for our hybrid academic book/graphic novel, Beneath the Red Umbrella! We began this project in early-2020, working with our wonderful team of scholars, activists, and artists, including illustrator and tattoo artist Addison Finch. Together, we developed a book-length manuscript that includes a research-based argument concerning the injustices experienced by sex workers caused by the criminalization and stigmatization of their trade. We weave into this argument an illustrated story about three fictional students — Selina, Jaz, and Julie — who discuss issues faced by sex workers and explore their own assumptions and misconceptions about sex work. As they have sometimes difficult conversation about the harms of criminal laws around sex work, and the stigmatization of sex workers, the students become closer as friends. Importantly, as they learn about the reams of evidence from legal studies, social sciences, and health sciences that support the need for decriminalization and destigmatization, they become more committed to standing in solidarity with sex workers in their struggles to have their rights and freedoms fully realized. Our book will be published by the University of Toronto Press in the near future. We are so excited.
That said, in recent months, Kerry has been facing the challenge of her life: Combating cancer. Although in good spirits and tough as nails, Kerry has a hard slog ahead as she undergoes chemotherapy starting this spring. Her bestie, Andi Wiseman, has launched a Go Fund Me page, “Brass Tacks Help for our Kickass Friend Kerry Porth,” to raise cash to help Kerry cover some of her expenses, including rent.
If you have the means, please consider making a donation!
One of the scenes in Beneath the Red Umbrella is set at a local Red Umbrella March — a world-wide march to advance the rights of sex workers. As our comic selves, Kerry and I make a cameo appearance sporting tee shirts emblazoned with “Decriminalize Sex Work!” and “F*ck the Patriarchy but Not For Free!”
Andi and I are joining forces in a giveaway fundraiser for Kerry. Donors to Andi’s Brass Tacks Help page who make a contribution of $100 will receive a red umbrella tee shirt (you can choose either slogan). Those who contribute $75 will receive a tote bag, and those who contribute $50 will receive a tea towel. Anyone who contributes $25 will receive a small, handmade beauty bag from my Red Remnants collection. Once you’ve made your donation, please send me an email with your snail mail address (sewingforthecause@gmail.com), and I’ll send you your merch. Thank you!
Let’s help out Kerry. And let’s f*ck cancer, as well as the patriarchy.
PS. Please note that quantities are limited.
